Yes. Historical Day

Today, June 14th, was an amazing, emotional and incredible day. Massachusetts had been the only state in the union to grant marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples. Two years ago groups opposed to this set out to place a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage on the ballot. All they needed to make that happen was the support of fifty legislators out of 200; however, that vote had to happen in two consecutive years. Last year they were successful.

Many people, gay and straight, believed that you do not legislate civil rights. Marriage is recognized and validated by the state. Religious groups can choose to marry people or not depending upon their beliefs.

Today was the second consecutive year—in order for the amendment to get on the ballot fifty votes were needed.

I'm not certain how many people turned out for the Constitutional Convention—lots. The day started with a religious service and then people began to gather on the State House steps. Those opposed to gay marriage stood on one side of the street—the police presence in between—and those for gay marriage on the other side. It was all orderly.

The vote was to take place at 1:00pm. Hundreds of people gathered in the auditorium and waited for the proceedings to begin. We all faced a huge screen and simply waited. We sang, we hugged, we hoped, we spoke to people we never met before. At one pm the still picture on the screen came to life and we watched the legislators walk into their chambers.

Within twenty minutes the votes were tallied and the amendment would not be placed on the ballot. The final vote was a vote for justice and equality. The applause, shouts, singing and tears were overwhelming. I still can't believe it.

Incidentally a bus of Canadian citizens drove down to support us. I'm so proud of Massachusetts. Our state constitution protects all of its citizens.