In the coast-to-coast battle over marriage, Massachusetts appears ready to take the next shot.
Just two months after the California Supreme Court struck down a state law to allow homosexual couples from across the U.S. to "marry" there, Massachusetts is considering striking down one of its own marriage laws.
The Massachusetts Senate is expected to vote next week on a 1913 marriage law that prohibits out-of-state, homosexual couples from getting married within state borders. In 2004, the state's highest court ordered same-sex "marriages" into law for residents.
Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, said this is an attempt by activists to export gay “marriage” to the rest of the nation.
“It’s shameful that this state would try to push its radical social agenda on other states,” he said. “It will mean that 48 states will be under assault.”
Mona Passignano, state issues analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said states without a marriage amendment will be most vulnerable. But all states likely will face court battles.
“The court will have to decide if states that have already protected marriage as one man, one woman in their constitutions will have to recognize gay 'marriage,' ” she said. “This U.S. court decision that we will ultimately get to is going to be the Roe v. Wade decision for gay ‘marriage.’ ”
Jenny Tyree, associate marriage analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said homosexual activists and Massachusetts legislators are taking advantage of California’s decision to further their agenda.
“This is a last-ditch effort to transport gay ‘marriage’ to other states, in the event the California decision is overturned by the will of the people,” she said.
California voters will decide in November whether to amend their constitution to protect marriage as between one man and one woman.
The Massachusetts Senate is expected take up the legislation Tuesday; the House vote will follow. Gov. Deval Patrick has said he will sign the legislation.
Mineau urged people to pray.
“For Massachusetts right now, we need a lot of prayer,” he said. “We will do everything within our power, and with the Lord’s help, to resist this thing.”
TAKE ACTION
If you live in Massachusetts, ask your state senator to preserve the 1913 law that is keeping same-sex "marriage" from being exported to other states. You can find contact information through our Action Center.
(Paid for by Focus on the Family Action.)
