Senate Votes To Let Out-Of-State Gays Marry
Group Repeals 1913 Law
POSTED: 2:49 pm EDT July 15,
2008
UPDATED: 6:02 pm EDT July 15,
2008
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BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Senate voted Tuesday to throw out an old law that prevents out-of-state gay couples from getting married in the Bay State.NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that the debate raises all the familiar arguments, along with a new economic twist.
VIDEO: Senate Votes To Let Out-Of-State Gays MarryIn less than 15 minutes on a voice vote, the Senate agreed to repeal a 1913 law that prohibits gay couples from out-of-state marrying in Massachusetts."This eliminates the last (piece) of state discrimination in our marriage laws," said Marc Solomon, of Mass Equality.Anti-gay marriage legislators sat quietly while advocates said that the 1913 law is rooted in racism."They specifically named the reason why they wanted to do that. We've got to make sure we are all consistent in our policy," Sen. Diane Wilkerson said.Those opposing gay marriage now cite the state Supreme Court."The court ruled the law was constitutional and had no history of racial bias, so all of these allegations that this is a racial issue are done by the spin meisters," said Kris Mineau, of the Massachusetts Family Institute.Those calling for repeal tout the economic benefits."When gay folks come to the state to get married, they are going to bring with them their family and their friends. They are going to stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants," said Arline Isaacson, of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Caucus.A recent study claims that gay marriage business over three years will boost the economy by $111 million, create 330 jobs and add $5 million in tax and fees. Even some caterers who support gay marriage doubt the numbers."I don't think it will be impacted tremendously. I think we will pick up a few weddings from people who used to live in Massachusetts and now moved elsewhere, coming home to get married. I always feel like weddings are tied to home," caterer Marc Haley said.
VIDEO: Senate Votes To Let Out-Of-State Gays MarryIn less than 15 minutes on a voice vote, the Senate agreed to repeal a 1913 law that prohibits gay couples from out-of-state marrying in Massachusetts."This eliminates the last (piece) of state discrimination in our marriage laws," said Marc Solomon, of Mass Equality.Anti-gay marriage legislators sat quietly while advocates said that the 1913 law is rooted in racism."They specifically named the reason why they wanted to do that. We've got to make sure we are all consistent in our policy," Sen. Diane Wilkerson said.Those opposing gay marriage now cite the state Supreme Court."The court ruled the law was constitutional and had no history of racial bias, so all of these allegations that this is a racial issue are done by the spin meisters," said Kris Mineau, of the Massachusetts Family Institute.Those calling for repeal tout the economic benefits."When gay folks come to the state to get married, they are going to bring with them their family and their friends. They are going to stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants," said Arline Isaacson, of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Caucus.A recent study claims that gay marriage business over three years will boost the economy by $111 million, create 330 jobs and add $5 million in tax and fees. Even some caterers who support gay marriage doubt the numbers."I don't think it will be impacted tremendously. I think we will pick up a few weddings from people who used to live in Massachusetts and now moved elsewhere, coming home to get married. I always feel like weddings are tied to home," caterer Marc Haley said. Copyright 2008 by TheBostonChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
