GLAD ON MASS. CIVIL UNIONS: From Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders

You've probably heard that the Massachusetts legislature asked the state Supreme Judicial Court whether a "civil unions" bill would satisfy the Court's ruling for equal marriage rights in GLAD's case, Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health.

Here's the inside scoop:

-- It is not uncommon for the SJC to be asked advisory questions from the legislature.

-- The SJC has asked for interested parties to submit briefs. The question will not be argued in court.

-- GLAD will submit a brief emphasizing the importance of full marriage rights for same-sex couples, not a "separate, but equal" civil unions
status. We know other supporters of equality will also submit briefs.

We are confident that the Court will rule in keeping with their original decision -- that the state constitution requires FULL equality and will not tolerate any separate, second-class status. According to Harvard constitutional scholar Laurence Tribe, "The opinion is unambiguous: there is no legally defensible way to read it and conclude that anything short
of marriage for same-sex couples could possibly satisfy the state constitution."

As the organization behind the Goodridge case, GLAD will continue to stand up to any and all efforts to block or water down the decision, in the courts and in the legislature. We will keep you posted as we move forward.

Even as we work to keep this victory won, GLAD is looking toward the near future, when the Court's decision takes effect and same-sex couples can marry in Massachusetts. We are pleased to share with you a new, more
complete version of our "Frequently Asked Questions about Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health & Getting Married in Massachusetts", as well as a version in Spanish. The updated version includes answers to questions about the effects of marrying in Massachusetts, from taxes to immigration to families with children. Both of these are available at www.glad.org/marriage.

Happy Holidays, The GLAD Legal Team
posted by Eve at 6:53 PM | link

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