Category Archives: Gay

On May 17, 2004 Massachusetts became the first state in the United States to legalize same sex marriage. Eight years ago today more than 1,000 gay and lesbian couples streamed into city and town halls across the state seeking licenses to marry.

Damn Proud of Massachusetts

In eight short years six other states CT, IA, NH, NY, VT, WA (and the District of Columbia) have all recognized this as a civil right and legalized same sex marriage.  More recently, President Obama spoke out in favor of Same Sex Marriage when he told ABC News last week that he (and Michelle Obama) support the right of gays and lesbians to marry.

“At our nation’s founding, African-Americans were held in bondage. Those without property could not vote. Catholics could not hold office. Women could not vote or hold office. And homosexuality was, in some places, a crime punishable by death. 

Throughout our history, each and every generation has expanded upon the freedoms won by their parents and grandparents. Each and every generation has removed some barrier to full participation in the American dream. That work is not over. Far from it… Last week’s referendum banning same-sex marriage shows just how much more work needs to be done to ensure freedom and equality for all people.”

Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City, comments at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill commencement.

Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee signed an executive order today that recognizes same sex marriages performed in other states. The Governor’s actions gives gay couples the same rights as heterosexual ones when it comes to health insurance and a slew of other benefits.

Rhode Island’s only two border states, Massachusetts and Connecticut already recognize same sex marriage and since the state is so small it is assumed that many Ocean State residents may cross the border to marry until the time comes that Rhode Island takes that final all important step of not just recognizing but performing same sex marriages. Chafee’s executive order now makes Maine the only state in New England not to either recognize or allow same sex marriages.