Press Releases

Tuesday, November 18, 2003

The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry Applauds Historic Ruling on Gay Marriage by the Massachusetts Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jay Johnson, 510-849-8235 or Alvan Quamina, 510-849-8206

BERKELEY, CA - The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry (CLGS) at Pacific School of Religion applauds today's decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Court on the issue of gay marriage, calling it an historic step forward in the struggle for social justice for lesbian and gay people.

"This decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Court is a win for all the people of Massachusetts," said Mary A. Tolbert, the Center's Executive Director, in a statement released by the center. "Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people now have their right to marry same-sex partners legally recognized as equal to the rights of heterosexual couples.

"At the same time, churches and other religious communities still have the right to choose which kinds of relationships they wish to honor in their rites of marriage and other religious ceremonies. In this landmark decision, every Massachusetts citizen's rights are acknowledged and respected. We call on all religious communities across the nation to celebrate this victory and continue their work on behalf of full economic and social justice for all people."

In the case of Goodridge et al v. Department of Public Health, brought by plaintiffs Julie and Hillary Goodridge and six other same-sex couples, the court ruled that same-sex and opposite-sex couples must be given equal civil marriage rights under the state constitution. The Massachusetts Legislature has 180 days to develop plans to implement this ruling. Massachusetts now becomes the first state in the United States to give same-sex couples the right to a civil marriage.

The full text of the Center's statement follows:

Today's ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts in Goodridge et al v. Department of Public Health marks an historic moment in the history of lesbian and gay civil rights. The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry joins with many other communities of faith in applauding this landmark decision for social justice.

The plaintiffs in this case were not seeking "special rights" but rather the same social, economic, and political rights enjoyed and expected by all heterosexual Americans: the right to have their committed relationships recognized and treated equally under the law. Legal marriage in the US grants access to a wide array of legal protections and benefits, from hospital visitation, Social Security and pension benefits to the adoption of children, family leave, and the transfer of property and other assets. The Massachusetts ruling signals that all Americans deserve basic equal rights and protections under the law.

The legal recognition of same-sex relationships in no way undermines or weakens the religious or secular institution of marriage. To the contrary, such public examples of love and fidelity can only strengthen and enhance the commitment of married couples everywhere.

This decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Court is a win for all the people of Massachusetts. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people have had their right to marry same-sex partners legally recognized as equal to the rights of heterosexual couples.

At the same time, churches and other religious communities still have the right to decide which kinds of relationships they wish to honor in their rites of marriage and other religious ceremonies. In this landmark decision, every Massachusetts citizen's rights are acknowledged and respected.

Christian, Jewish, Islamic and many other faith communities are rooted in strong traditions of compassion and justice. We call on all religious communities across the nation to celebrate this victory and continue their work on behalf of full economic and social justice for all people.

For more information, contact the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at 510-849-8206 or www.clgs.org.