Even Gay Out-of-Towners May Be Able to Marry in Mass.

Posted by Habladora, Feministe at 7:18 AM on July 17, 2008.

According to NPR’s Morning Edition:

In Massachusetts, the Senate has voted to repeal an old law that has been used to keep out-of-state couples from marrying in the state. The law prohibits couples from getting marriage licenses if they can’t legally wed in their home states. Gay and lesbian couples from across the nation may soon be able to get married in Massachusetts.

The century-old law that this vote could help repeal was initially instated as a measure aimed at preventing interracial marriages, according to Marc Solomon of MassEquality.

Now, once the Massachusetts House votes on the issue and the new law is signed by Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts could become a popular wedding destination for gay couples whose states of residence still haven’t legalized same-sex marriage. Since Massachusetts has already withstood an attempt to ban same-sex marriage, it might become an even more tempting wedding destination than California, which will face such a vote this fall. This new popularity could even translate into a substantial boost for Massachusetts’s economy. See, sometimes being good really does pay off!

Congratulations, Massachusetts! Here’s hoping lots of states follow in your footsteps!

Tagged as: gay marriage, massachusetts, state senate