 |
|
Contact: Julia Huston, President Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts
617.443.9292
Michelle Peirce, Vice-President Elisabeth J. Medvedow, Executive Director Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts 617.973.6666
WBA APPLAUDS DEFEAT OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO BAN SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
(BOSTON)– June 14, 2007– Today, the Massachusetts legislature voted 151-45 to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. Proponents of the amendment needed 50 votes to advance it to a popular vote. They fell short by 5 votes, ensuring that same-sex marriage rights will not be subject to a popular referendum in November 2008.
WBA President Julia Huston said, “The WBA is delighted that the constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage has been defeated. Today's historic vote is a victory not only for those of us who have fought long and hard to ensure marriage equality, but for the civil rights of all Massachusetts citizens. Because of the vote today, civil rights will not be subject to the popular vote as a ballot question, but will instead remain a Constitutional guarantee. The WBA extends its deepest gratitude to Governor Patrick, Senate President Murray, and House Speaker DiMasi for their extraordinary leadership on this important issue.”
"This vote has touched us
as an organization and has touched our individual members. WBA
Vice-President Michelle Peirce, who practices law in Boston and
is married to her same-sex partner, was particularly delighted with the outcome. Peirce
said, “Today is my
birthday (I won’t say which one). This vote was the best present that I, my
partner, and our 9-month old son could ever have hoped for. As
a new mother, and with all of the challenges that go along with that, it is
a relief to know that one worry has been removed from my list--the worry
that my family’s validity and existence would be thrown on a ballot and
voted on. The legislators today had the courage, heart, and humanity to
stand up for my family and others like us and, for that, I thank them from
the bottom of my heart."
Visit www.womensbar.org to download
About the Women’s Bar Association |