Massachusetts Decision Disappointing But Progress Continues
‘The Massachusetts decision is a speed bump on the long road to fairness,’ said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.
WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement regarding today’s ruling in Cote-Whitacre et al. v. Dept. of Public Health. The decision upheld a 1913 law denying a couple the ability to marry in Massachusetts if the marriage would be “void if contracted” in their home state.“The Massachusetts decision is a speed bump on the long road to fairness,” said Solmonese. “While Massachusetts remains a mainstay of fairness, there is clearly more work to be done to bring down the existing walls of discrimination.”
Solmonese continued, “Loving couples in Massachusetts will continue to show the rest of the nation that every marriage is about commitment. The devotion of these couples proves fear-mongerers wrong and Massachusetts continues to set an example for the rest of the country. We stand side-by-side with the fair-minded leaders in Massachusetts and strongly support the plaintiff couples and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders for bringing this case forward. Today’s decision may come as a disappointment, but make no mistake that progress continues.”
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.