GAY MARRIAGE BEYOND MASSACHUSETTS: From 365Gay.com

Next week same-sex marriage becomes legal in Massachusetts, but two other states may not be far behind.

Lawsuits identical to the case that won marriage in Massachusetts are expected to reach high courts in New Jersey and Washington State by the end of 2004.

"We're living in historic times that will be looked back on by generations to follow. This isn't just one historic moment in Massachusetts next week -- it's the start of what will be a long period of progress and breakthroughs, with gay couples in other states also winning the right to marry and finally being treated equally under the law," said Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director of Lambda Legal.

"Lesbian and gay couples need the protections marriage provides, and they need them where they live and pay their taxes. We are closer than ever to making that a reality in several states."

Lambda Legal has been pursuing a state-by-state strategy to win marriage for same-sex couples for the past decade Cathcart said.

Currently, Lambda and other groups are suing for marriage on behalf of lesbian and gay couples in New Jersey, New York, Washington State and California, the ACLU and Equality California.

All of those cases are in state courts, arguing that denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples violates their rights under state constitutions. And all of those cases are heating up this month, Cathcart said.

In New Jersey, Lambda Legal filed appeal papers last week and the case should move quickly to a final ruling. (story) In Washington State, Lambda Legal and Northwest Women's Law Center filed motions for a prompt ruling last week, and attorneys for the state and King County have agreed to move the case quickly. (story)

In New York, attorneys for the city are set to respond to Lambda Legal's lawsuit on Monday, just as couples begin marrying in Massachusetts. And in California, hearings are scheduled for later this month and early next month in nearly a half-dozen marriage-related lawsuits that Lambda Legal and the other groups either filed or intervened in on behalf of same-sex couples.

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posted by Eve at 2:23 PM | Link |

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