Effects of Gay Marriage in the Bay State

'Sky hasn't fallen' after 5 years, but opponents still simmer

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted May 10, 2009 4:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – Five years after Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, most of the furor has fizzled and day-to-day consequences have settled in, the AP reports. Now long-time partners are recognized as family during hospital stays; they can also explain family ties and deal with state adoption officials more easily. And then there's "that emotional sigh of relief—just knowing a court of law would understand our family," one lesbian mom said.

Opposition to same-sex unions still exists, but early threats by conservative groups to unseat legislators or enact an anti-gay-marriage referendum have faded. Many Massachusetts gay couples still bristle at having to file federal taxes individually and go through customs without the status of marriage. But "having your committed relationships recognized—to say it's deeply meaningful is to trivialize it," one lawyer said.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (3)]

This photo provided by Hallmark shows a same-sex wedding greeting card. (AP Photo/Hallmark)

Carla Barbano, left, and Joy Spring, of Middletown, NY, wrap their arms around one another as they pick up their marriage license at the Town Hall in Provincetown, Mass., Thursday, July 31, 2008. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Greg Kimball and his partner of five months, Brian O'Connor, kiss after lawmakers voted to kill a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage at the Statehouse in Boston, June 14, 2007. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

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More than once, I was introducing Rich and said, 'This is my partner,' and they'd say, 'Oh, what kind of company do you own? What business are you in?' - Gary Chalmers, who enjoys now being able to call Richard Linnell his husband

When marriage finally happened, there was that emotional sigh of relief—just knowing there would be a legal framework, and a court of law would understand our family. - Heidi Nortonsmith, who has two sons with her wife Gina

No one who's proud of being an American wants to be accused of being a bigot, so some people retreat into a live-and-let-live situation. - Massachusetts Bishop Robert McManus, who says that traditional marriage will be undermined by gay marriage

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 6 comments

MarkFL

May 12, 2009 11:46 AM CDT

As long as there are churches that will marry gay couples, any attempt to block the marriage or give it second class status is a violation of the establishment clause. Metalworldorder is not a fan but that is the whole point. It is great to see someone who recognizes the power of the constitution even if they don't support gay people. No one is forcing him or her to get gay married. The only effect is that gay people are treated like everyone else and that is the only side effect that really matters.

kokuaguy

May 11, 2009 12:27 PM CDT

Apparently there ae no observable effects whatsoever on traditional families and marriage.

wwwonderer

May 11, 2009 8:03 AM CDT

Exactly. This is a secular BUSINESS issue, not a religious one. I am a raging male heterosexual, and have no interest in men sexually. I also don't like shredded coconut, and have no interest in German-chocolate cake. If others have those interests, fine by me. Saying same-sex unions is an attack on marriage is like saying blacks and women voting is an attack on democracy. The fly in that ointment is, more votes dilutes each persons votes. Fair enough. But more people getting married should not dilute the strength of love of ANY relationship.

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Effects of Gay Marriage in the Bay State