Proponents of gay rights are celebrating an important victory from last week, which could go a long way in assuring equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation.
Judge Joseph L. Tauro of the United States District Court in Boston, Massachusetts has ruled that a law prohibiting the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. His ruling is perhaps the clearest yet that gay and lesbian couples deserve the same federal benefits as heterosexual couples, which has inflamed the national debate over same-sex marriage and gay rights.
If the ruling makes its way to the Supreme Court (as expected) and is upheld there, same-sex marriage will fall within the constitutional realm of protection, just as interracial marriage has been for decades. That protection is at the heart of this Massachusetts case, as well as a federal case pending in California over the legality of that state’s ban against same-sex marriage.
Gay rights supporters are jubilant and embracing the ruling and calling it a legal victory.
“Today the court simply affirmed that our country won’t tolerate second-class marriages,” said Mary Bonauto, civil rights project director for Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, who argued the case. “This ruling will make a real difference for countless families in Massachusetts.”
But Chris Gacek, a senior fellow at the conservative Family Research Council, said he was disappointed by the decision. “The idea that a court can say that this definition of marriage that’s been around forever is irrational is mind-boggling,” Mr. Gacek said. “It’s a bad decision.”
The fight for gays to have the same rights as heterosexual couples is encountering the same difficulties as what interracial couples experienced decades ago. But proponents say they are prepared for the fight, and believe this new ruling in Massachusetts is a huge step toward equality for all.
Yay!Every little bit helps.