Mass Appeal

The Massachusetts legislature signed off on a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage -- but it still needs a second legislative approval and a public vote in 2006 to become law [cf].

I hope fervently that this step is too little and too late for the Christian Taliban -- that is, I mean to say, I hope that once gay marriage goes into effect in Massachusetts in May of this year, that it will be too late to roll back rights.

A few poignant quotes:

Arline Isaacson, co-leader of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, on the state legislature: "I believe many of them are going to feel very ashamed of what they've just done today."

Sen. Marian Walsh (D-Boston): Gay men and lesbians "are owed the hope and promise of America. ... It is not always easy or quick to be true to our destiny."

Sen. Walsh (again): "Gay Americans die for our country, adopt our children and we are silent. Yet we find our voice to take away their constitutional right to marry."

Matt Foreman, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director: "This fight is not over. It's just beginning."