I thought same-sex civil marriage was legal in Massachusetts.
Currently it is. But in 2005 a petition was passed by conservative opposition groups to ban same-sex civil marriage. Their aim is to amend the state Constitution so that same-sex marriages can no longer be performed in the state.
Is being married really all that important?
YES! There are a hundreds of important rights that married couples enjoy but unmarried couples do not. (See Marriage vs. Civil Unions Chart.)
Didn’t the Massachusetts legislature decide against adding an amendment to the Constitution that would make same-sex marriage illegal?
Yes, but after they voted, conservative groups hired a corporation to gather signatures for a petition that would initiate a process reversing that decision. The groups knew there was not enough support at the grassroots to ask the citizens of Massachusetts to gather the signatures. (For more details on the process involved, see Amending the Massachusetts Constitution.)
Who signed this anti civil rights petition?
Around 160,000 voters. Of this number, some were tricked by corporate signature collectors who were paid by the signature; others were pressured by their churches.
Can I check the list of signers?
Yes at www.KnowThyNeighbor.org
Why worry? The voters of Massachusetts won’t agree to this amendment!
Right now Massachusetts is the only state permitting same-sex civil marriage. That makes us a battleground for this issue. In the months prior to the 2008 election, we anticipate thousands of anti marital rights volunteers to converge on our state from the four corners of the country. We also anticipate vitriolic statements made by right wingers and tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars being spent to sway the opinions of our citizens by the religious right and other opponents. We have our work cut out for us!
What about MassEquality? Why aren’t you working with them?
We are affiliated and coordinate closely with MassEquality. They attend our meetings and provide advice and political information. MassEquality is happy that we are organizing our local area. There are many groups like ours throughout the state, most collaborating with MassEquality.
Will churches be forced to perform same-sex civil marriages?
Absolutely not! We are talking about civil marriage rights, not religious ones. It is up to individual churches to decide whether they will perform same-sex marriages. At present, some do and some do not. Others take a middle road and bless same-sex unions after a civil ceremony has been performed outside the church. We have no desire to tell any church what
to do.
How much time is required if I join?
We need contributions of all kinds from every type of person. You can just read our e-mails to stay informed, share the information with friends and family, volunteer to stuff envelopes, write a short article for our newsletter, contact your state legislator to voice your support, or even speak before groups. It is your choice.
What happens if the amendment is approved by the electorate and I am married to my gay or lesbian partner?
You will remained legally married in the state of Massachusetts, but all new same-sex marriages will be banned by the new Constitutional amendment.
Can this process really be stopped before 2008?
Yes, with your help! Right now there are 67 legislators who are voting to strip civil rights from our gay and lesbian citizens. If we can change the minds of 18 of them, we can keep the petition from being approved and stop the amendment process in its tracks. We need to accomplish this by May of 2007. If that goal is not achieved, our organization will commence a year-long, door-to-door education campaign in communities from Seekonk to Wareham. We can do it and we will do it !
How can I find out if my legislator is supporting same-sex civil marriage?
You can contact us via e-mail and we will let you know. You may also visit www.MassEquality.org Their site lists the voting records of all the state legislators on this issue.
