Where were you?
I was living in Vienna, Austria five years ago when I heard that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court had ruled to end marriage discrimination in my home state. As a Mass. native, I always had the iTunes radio on my laptop tuned to WBUR (I listened to Car Talk to alleviate homesickness—in addition to incessant replaying of Good Will Hunting—but I digress).
I got goose bumps when I heard Chief Justice Margaret Marshall’s words: “The Massachusetts Constitution affirms the dignity and equality of all individuals. It forbids the creation of second-class citizens. In reaching our conclusion we have given full deference to the arguments made by the Commonwealth. But it has failed to identify any constitutionally adequate reason for denying civil marriage to same-sex couples.” Then the tears began.
I cried at my desk that day—for the history GLAD had made, for pride in my home state, and most of all for the thousands of families whose lives would be better after the Goodridge case. As someone whose job it is to tell the stories of people who are still fighting for marriage equality, in that respect not much has changed. I am still moved every day by the work GLAD does, and am so proud I have the chance to be a part of it.
Comments
- On November 18, 2008 at 12:32 pm, Nora commented:
Well, Congratulations to GLAD and to the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts for this historic anniversary. I was living in Albuquerque, NM when the ruling came, and like you, it induced pride in our wonderful home state. The ruling reminded me how much we take for granted growing up in such a liberal-minded place, and that this was just the beginning of obtaining equal rights for all. Keep telling the stories and doing the great work you do! Is New York next?
- On November 25, 2008 at 6:11 am, SJS commented:
Congratulations to GLAD & hope they continue doing the good work.
- On December 6, 2008 at 8:19 pm, mgh commented:
when will GLAD be getting an RSS feed for this blog? please!?
- On December 22, 2008 at 5:50 am, peterson commented:
Glad to read that you are continuing your excellent work.Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Free wills- On December 23, 2008 at 1:08 am, Geff commented:
I have read about GLAD’s work before as well.I think they are commendable….keep up the great efforts!