Equal rights

The Massachusetts Supreme Court made a correct and courageous decision this week when it ruled that gay marriage is permissible under that state's constitution.

In doing so, it affirmed the democratic ideal that discrimination based on sexual orientation is just as unacceptable as discrimination based on race, religion, gender or age. It also was another step toward giving gays what other Americans have, but they are denied:

Equal protection under the law.

The sad truth is that prejudice against homosexuals is the last socially acceptable and legally-sanctioned form of discrimination in our nation, and it must end.

We understand that some people consider gay unions wrong for religious reasons. But we'd ask them to consider this:

It wasn't long ago when it was illegal - and, based on religious doctrine, deemed immoral by many - for whites and blacks to marry or even date. And those who did were subjected to the harshest retribution.

Rather than fracture the notion of family as some say of gay unions, we believe that two people who want to legally assume responsibility for each other makes stronger, not weaker, the concept of mutual affection and caring.

Sadly but certainly, this issue will be used as a political wedge in the coming election year. Conservative organizations are lobbying Congress and the White House for an amendment to the Constitution that would forbid gay people to marry.

Americans should strongly reject such a move.

To add an amendment that restricts the rights of a particular group would be a dangerous precedent, and run against our nation's foundational belief that all people are created equal.

'Freedom to Marry Rings' image upper right © H. Mitchell.