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From Metropolitan Community Churches

HISTORIC DECISION! HISTORIC DECISION! HISTORIC DECISION!

Massachusetts Supreme Court
Legalizes Gay Marriage!

A Message from Rev. Troy D. Perry
MCC Founder and Moderator

18 November 2003

Today, gays and lesbians took another historic step forward in the march for equality as the Supreme Court of Massachusetts ruled 4-3 that same-sex couples are legally entitled to marry under the state constitution.

In its decision, the Court stated, "The state has no reason to ban same-sex marriage."

Unlike the Canadian marriage court decision which was immediately implemented, the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling ordered the state Legislature to come up with a solution within 180 days. The decision stopped short of allowing marriage licenses to be issued to the couples who challenged the law.

In July of this year in Toronto, Canada, I legally wed my partner of 18 years, Phillip Ray DeBlieck. During our wedding, I told the press I believed that at least one state in the United States would rule in favor of same-sex marriage within five years. I had no idea this would happen in five months.

I salute community leaders and activists in Massachusetts who have worked tirelessly to bring equality to that state's marriage laws. I am especially pleased to recognize MCC clergyperson Rev. Joan Saniuk, whose work on behalf of marriage equality has made a profound difference in that state.

Our work is not done, and this victory is not final. There is already a strong movement in the Massachusetts Legislature to circumvent this court ruling with an anti-gay amendment to the state constitution.

History will view today's decision in Goodridge et al. vs. Department of Public Health as one of the most significant steps in our ongoing struggle for GLBT equality under the law.

Metropolitan Community Churches, which performs more than 6000 same-sex weddings each year, celebrates today's decision and reaffirms its work to assure that equality under the law is provided to all citizens.

Troy Perry
Rev. Troy D. Perry
MCC Founder and Moderator

For Additional Information, Contact:
Jim Birkitt, Director of Communications
or
Roman Cardenas, Associate Director of Communications
Metropolitan Community Churches
8704 Santa Monica Boulevard, 2nd Floor
West Hollywood, CA  90069
Tel. 310-360-8640, Ext. 226 or 228
Cell 310-625-4138
E-Mail: info@MCCchurch.org