Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
27 School Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02108
Ph: 617.973.6666 Fax: 617.973.6663 www.womensbar.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kathy Jo Cook, President
Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
617-549-5237
WBA APPLAUDS STATE’S REPEAL OF 1913 LAW
Women’s Bar Association Congratulates State Senate, House and Governor Deval Patrick on Paving the Way for Equality for Same Sex Couples Across the Country
BOSTON, MA – August 5, 2008 – The Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts (WBA) applauds the state legislature and Governor Patrick for repealing the state’s 1913 anti-miscegenation law. That law, invoked by former Governor Mitt Romney after the Supreme Judicial Court legalized same sex marriage in Massachusetts, prevented couples from marrying in Massachusetts if their home states would not recognize their marriages.
For many years, the WBA has fought alongside its allies in the effort to legalize same sex marriage in Massachusetts and, of late, to extend this state’s protections to residents of other states. Because the WBA believes that a just society depends on ensuring that all citizens have the same rights and protections under the law, it has made this issue a legislative priority and social justice imperative. As community members and as attorneys, the WBA takes seriously the responsibility to educate the community, challenge unfair laws and support progress.
“The 1913 law was a relic of an era of unequal treatment for many groups,” said WBA President Kathy Jo Cook. “I am thrilled that our state’s elected officials have recognized the importance of marriage equality, not just for those fortunate enough to live in Massachusetts, but for those same-sex couples across the country.
About the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
Founded in 1978 by a group of activist women lawyers, the Women’s Bar Association is one of the oldest and largest bar associations in the country. Today, the organization boasts a membership of more than 1600 women lawyers, judges and law students across Massachusetts. The WBA is committed to the full and equal participation of women in the legal profession and in a just society. The WBA works to achieve this mission through committees and task forces, and by developing and promoting a legislative agenda to address society’s most critical social and legal issues. Other WBA activities include drafting amicus briefs, studying employment issues affecting women, encouraging women to enter the judiciary, recognizing the achievement of women in the law, and providing pro bono services to women in need through supporting its charitable sister organization, the Women’s Bar Foundation. For more information, visit www.womensbar.org.
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