I love living in MA. Judge Tuaro ruled the gay marriage federal ban unconstitutional, since it interferes with the state’s right to set their own definition of marriage. The ruling offers same-sex couples that are married, and in Massachusetts, the same rights and access to federal benefits that couples who are heterosexual naturally receive.
Judge Joseph Tuaro from the US District Court ruled that prejudice does not constitute a true interest from a legitimate government, and that the Fifth Amendment in the Constitution is violated by the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
Judge Tauro ruled on two lawsuits at the same time, that were both filed by GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders) on behalf of three widows and eight same-sex married couples. Here in Massachusetts, same-sex marriage has been allowed for six years.
The judge also ruled that DOMA uses sexual orientation to separate married couples from federal benefits. Instead, he stated that the only distinction that should be drawn is between those who are married and those who are unmarried.
I love it when equality rules over bigotry.
This Unitarian community in London http://www.new-unity.org/ is fighting against that sort of bigotry - and the last I heard they were winning :)
ReplyDeleteThat is really good to hear!
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