History was made on May 17th as Massachusetts became the first
state in the nation to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, said
the Human Rights Campaign.
"This is an historic day for our community as same-sex couples in
Massachusetts no longer face legalized discrimination under state law,"
said HRC President Cheryl Jacques. "In a country that guarantees
equality under law, it's heartening to see same-sex couples and their
children in Massachusetts being provided with the same rights,
protections and responsibilities that most families in the state already
take for granted."
The first licenses were given at Cambridge City Hall as the clock struck
midnight on May 17. Same-sex couples across the state are lining up to
receive marriage licenses. There is a three-day waiting period in
Massachusetts before couples can marry, however it can be waived by a
court. Each of the seven plaintiff couples in Goodridge v. The
Department of Public Health – the groundbreaking case that made these
marriages possible – will marry today. The case was successfully argued
by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (www.glad.org).
"All of us here at HRC commend the incredible work of GLAD in making
this day possible," added Jacques.
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