BOSTON - Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill Thursday that repealed a 1913 law that had blocked gay couples from outside Massachusetts from marrying here.
"We're being recognized as a married couple," said Joy Spring, of Middletown, N.Y., who planned to wed Carla Barbano, her partner of seven years, at a ceremony Friday in Provincetown.
Supporters of the repeal of the law, which banned couples from marrying in Massachusetts unless their unions would be legal in their home states, say lifting the ban was not only fair but will have economic benefits.
A state study estimates that more than 30,000 out-of-state gay couples — most of them from New York — will wed in Massachusetts over the next three years. That would boost the state's economy by $111 million and create 330 jobs, the study estimated.
Opponents say Massachusetts now could become the "Las Vegas of gay marriage," and they criticized lawmakers for infringing on other states' rights to define marriage.
Patrick, the state's first black governor, said he was proud to sign the bill repealing the law, which some say had its roots in trying to block interracial marriages.
Massachusetts in 2003 became the first state to rule gay couples had a right to marry; California recently legalized gay "marriage," without a residency requirement.
"In five years now, the sky has not fallen, the earth has not opened to swallow us all up, and more to the point, thousands and thousands of good people — contributing members of our society — are able to make free decisions about their personal future, and we ought to seek to affirm that every chance we can," said Patrick, whose 18-year-old daughter recently revealed publicly she's a lesbian.
An emergency preamble attached to Thursday's law allowed out-of-staters to begin marrying immediately.
Spring and Barbano, who were joined in a civil union in 2006 in New York, are from one of the few states that will recognize their impending union: New York Gov. David Paterson said earlier this year that state law requires recognition of legal marriages performed elsewhere.
"Now New Yorkers can drive across the border to a neighboring state (and) get a marriage license that will be recognized as fully legal and valid here at home," said a statement from Empire State Pride Agenda, a New York gay rights group.
The California Supreme Court ruled this year that same-sex "marriage" is legal, and Rhode Island law is quiet on the subject. Other states specifically forbid it, though a few allow same-sex civil unions.
Opponents said the ban prevented Massachusetts from interfering with the decisions of other states — the overwhelming majority of which specifically bar same-sex "marriage." The old law had been invoked by then-Gov. Mitt Romney, who said repealing it would make Massachusetts the "Las Vegas of gay marriage."
Now opponents say the Massachusetts repeal may just give fresh momentum to efforts for a constitutional amendment that would ban gay "marriage" across the country.
"This is a clarion call for the rest of the nation on the dangers of this radical social experiment, and also the essential need for a federal marriage amendment to clearly define marriage as the union of one man and one woman," said Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute.
"Same-sex marriage is a social experiment, and it certainly will have an impact on the culture, particularly the children, where we already see that in Massachusetts, children are being educated on the efficacy of same-sex marriage and the irrelevance of fatherhood and motherhood," Mineau said.
Associated Press Writer Nancy Kelsey contributed to this report.
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And mike we will also be praying for you to find your true self that God made you to be. That thru His Holy Spirits transforming power when one accepts Jesus as Lord and repents from ones sins and start the journey of a life time on the narrow road one will find his/her true self. cosmos is it hard to sit on the fence? Gods Blessing in Christ Tom
Ah cosmos now your a mind reader too. Amazing. Quite frankly Iâ
And Tom. I hope that you can find happiness with yourself some day too. It must be terrible for you to repress all those feelings.
I am trying to make this as simple as I can for you. Making laws that restrict others from their beliefs is horribly wrong. This includes laws against gay marriage. Badgering others because their beliefs are different from your own is terribly wrong. What if someone did this to you? Why canâ
Hey Tom, you are completely missing my point. As for who is right and who is wrong about the â
AH cosmos who is living the lie you or me. I have read the words of many a person who has study the Scriptures in my case the Christian Bible in there native languages. All whom have stated that the words we read now hold true. So what do I do? Do listen to one who I do not know nor have read his/her works or do I take the word of many many scholars thru the ages who proclaim this same Gospel. You lose cosmos. As for persecuting mike and others you judge wrong. Does one not tell someone who is one the wide road to destruction that there is a better way? One that leads to eternal life, one that heals, that can bring peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness , self-control, joy and last of all and do I dare say more important then all, Love. Not a human sinful love but a love that God pours into us thru His Sprit. Is that not just stupid to pretend that they are okay? Is that not just evil to let them go on living a lie that can/will lead to eternal separation from our maker? Jesus said to spread His gospel, to make disciples of all men, (women). When one clearly tries to twist what Scripture says than that person needs to be responded to. Sorry if you think that is persecution if that is so then I am guilty of persecuting my children and even my wife when they are on the wrong road. Sorry cosmos. Gods Blessing In Christ Tom
Tom. I was once like you. I only knew the 'Scriptures' as you call them; these are the severely over-translated and only partially published Gnostic text. I prayed and begged God to let me know the truth. Suddenly a chance to study ancient Hebrew was available for me. A couple of years after that I was studying the Torah. Wow! There were a lot of differences between the original writings and the first five books of the 'Scriptures'. I did not stop there; I continued to study other ancient languages and study more text. I am not saying that you are stupid Tom, for I feel that you are very intelligent; however, there is a great deal more Truth out there than you have been exposed to. One thing is for sure, "He who increases wisdom also increases sorrow." When I was in college, a roommate of mine was Islamic; he informed me that I was going to hell because I didn't follow his beliefs and follow the writings of the Holy Koran. To him this was the 'Scriptures' and nothing else mattered. What if we were forced to be Islamic? What if there was a law that said that we had to bow to Mecca five times a day? This would be terribly wrong. If you believe Mike's lifestyle is wrong, then do not do as Mike does, but don't persecute him because his beliefs are different from yours. God loves you, and God loves Mike just as much. He is your friend and your equal; just as I am your friend and your equal. Now don't over-react Tom; I am not trying to make you and enemy; I am just trying to open your eyes or expose you to the 'lies that you live under'.
cosmos then you do not know what the Scripture say. Please read them and you will know that we are not judging them. we are exposing the lies they live under and the results of their action if they choose to stay on the road they are on. That my friend the Bible makes no mistakes about. Gods Blessing In Christ Tom
This is terrible. Not the homosexuality or the Gay Marriages, but the way everyone keeps judging others and forcing their religious beliefs upon others; if you believe something is wrong, then do not do it; if you believe something is immoral, then do not do it; if your religious beliefs say to not do something, then do not do it; however, do not expect others to be like you. Do not judge others and force them to follow your Beliefs. I thought judging was Gods job. Didn't he say, "Judge not..."? I would hate for someone to persecute me because I am Heterosexual. Live your own life and stop trying to live other people's lives. Let God do his job, for our job is to help and love one another, not persecute others because they are different.
yeah i still love him. he's the prodigal son. someday i hope to be able to rejoice when he comes to know Christ as his savior and lord.
Mike if you are ready then I would like for you to say this prayer. I normally donâ
i know jester but we must still love him and pray for him. thank you for your words.
Oh mike do you think that I do not listen. I read your words and I see you hurt. I read your words and pray that God will open your eyes to the truth; you appear to be one who is on the verge of beginning a journey you will never regret. But you need to surrender mike. I do not need to get through to, I have cast my lot with the one who Saves Jesus Christ. I have been born again and have and continue to be transformed by the renewing of my mind by the Spirit of this mighty God. I have surrender to His will. This is a God mike that can change you if you wish. Salvation is knocking. Jesus said behold I stand at the door and knock. Let Him in mike He is calling your name. Before you go let me say again this fact you may have missed. Despite all you have written in these and other forums mike the fact is this. The Christian Bible has always been proven to be correct and in this case it has also been shown to be so. Homosexuality is a sin, like many others and it will cause one to end up in eternal separation from God, Hell. This God we serve can and has changed ones sexual orientation to one that is Biblical and is according to Gods will.
This is indisputable by 1000â
Ah mike still calling names when you are hit with the facts. You canâ
Homosexuality is a sin.
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
And for those who would say that the Scripture uses the word "lust" and homosexuals don't lust after each other, they love each other.
The word "lust" in this verse is the only time this particular word is used. "orexis", which simply means "longing for".
So we see that even longing for another person of the same sex is wrong.
Because I can see that studies done, even if they conflict with what you think the Bible would condone, are truthful, and the studies which falsify information solely so you can feel better about your religion, I must not be able to hear God calling me? I am open to the idea that God can take me where he wants, whereas you won't even entertain the idea that you could be wrong. That is a very dangerous place to be, Tom! You are so sure that you have the truth, even though science has proven you wrong, that you will not admit defeat. Science can challenge our thinking, and it doesn't mean that we're leaving God! God gave us brilliant minds, and it would be wasteful to not think critically, which it is very clear you do not do! I truly don't understand how you can look at a study which has proved you cannot change your sexual orientation, but still say "well thousands have! WHERE IS YOUR RESEARCH? Christians so often make these bold statements, but when it comes time to back it up with research, they pull out a random Bible passage and attempt to make the people asking for evidence out to be Godless heathens. its sad that you think your ground is so solid, but I see right through you, and you have no idea where you are!
Ah mike but you see you are important to those who believe that Christ is Lord and follow His narrow path.
This is because you are of great importance to God. Who sent His Son to die for you mike because He knew you would be needing a Savior. We can spend the rest of our time on earth here calling each other liars but the fact remains and Scripture is clear you are in rebellion. You have refused to see the truth in the studies and testimony of those who have surrendered themselves to Jesusâ
it is clear you are perfectly content to feed into a lie. It is sinful, and I'm sorry that you feel it necessary to point out the sins of others when you're completely blind of your own. The studies you reference have been proven, multiple times, to be completely falsified, yet you will hear nothing of it as the truth might conflict with what you believe to be true. No need to condemn me, I know what is in my heart, and that is the truth. You can say what you wish, you are of no importance to me.
Iâ
I have been deceived? By scientific fact?!? No, there is a point at which you must admit that worldly knowledge is real, and this is it. You can believe the Bible, but you must also believe fact. These are not made up figures: The leader of Narth, whom you quoted, found that not one of the patients he studied were able to change their sexual orientation. You are spreading lies in an attempt to make your beliefs easy to believe, and that is sinful! Don't lecture me about sin and finding God when you yourself cannot even distinguish what is fact from fiction.
2 Timothy 2:19
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
Mike I am surprise at you calling people names and saying God would be disappointed in me as well as other, bit judgmental isnâ
chicago you must love God with all your heart soul and mind and strength. without all of these aspect of our person we are in danger of falling away. So you may be being transformed but if you are living in rebellion to His word by engaging in sex without being married, (again it really doesnt matter whether it is same or opposite sex) you are in danger of being spewed out of Jesus' mouth. You must refrain from sexual immorality. Listen to His voice, call out to Him Seek His righteousness and His kingdom. Gods Blessing In Christ Tom
Yes Jester in the end it is an argument that they can not win. There are several studies that show one can change their sexual orientation. One is called â
Sorry Tom, but I believe in my heart that I AM loving the way God intended me to love. I think it's quite presumptuous to think that just because I'm gay, that I haven't experienced significant transformation in my life.
Just like you could never love a man in sexual fulfillment, I could never do that with a woman nor would it be morally ethical for me to attempt it.
If homosexuality is actually disordered and if groups like Exodus are able to achieve effective reparitive therapy, then why can't they receive federal or state funding? After all, most public treatment centers use a spiritual component for their recovery programs and also receive Medicaid dollars. Why not Exodus?
I'd love to hear someone answer that without parroting scripture.
See, this is what I don't get? Why do people care if other people, homosexual or heterosexual, get married? It is none of their business.
In addition, how on earth would children become gay just because there are same sex marriages?
Tom, it most certainly has not been proven that you can change, in fact, just the opposite has been even when Christian organizations attempt to study it. If you want to believe a lie, then you are not truly Christian. If being a Christian means following false studies just so you don't have to question the Bible, then I guess I am not the same kind of Christian as you.
AH Chicago to never love again is not the Christian messages but to love the way God would have us to love is. Remember for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that all who should believe in Him shall not perish. The rub is Chicago that to believe in Him is to listen to what He teaches and to follow His commands. These commands come out of what is called the Christian Bible. So to say never to love again is wrong on your part, To pervert that love and use it for sex outside of marriage whether it is between a people of opposite sex or same sex or anything else it is a for that matter, is wrong. I have and do love men intensely, men I would die for or with, but I have no desire to bring that love to a sexual fulfillment that is against Gods commands period. As for changing your sexual preference you can with the help of Gods Holy Spirit in fact change. It has been proven over and over by personal testimony and studies done. Admittedly not always successful but sometime we humans and our desires get in the way. So Chicago I urge you like mike and your partners if you will to Seek after this God who changes lives and yes personalities including sexual orientations, addictions and other things that control us humans in our fallen states of sins. He truly desires you to come to Him, accept Him so he can change you into the kind of human He wishes for you. Who knows that may even mean a deep loving relationship with a person from the opposite sex. He is calling you to repent. Do you hear Him are you listening Gods Blessing In Christ Tom
Tom: I can assume you are heterosexual. I'd like for you, just for a moment, to really imagine what it would be like if YOU were expected to change your sexual orientation or give up the partner you love and never love anyone intimately again. Could you do it?
As a gay man, I DO NOT believe Christianity calls me to do that. I live my life ethically and have worked diligently on becoming a whole, integrated person. If any religion actually expected me to never love anyone again or change my sexual orientation (which is impossible) I would consider that religion to be invalid and worthless.
Oh Mike I guess you will read your studies and rely on your so called experts and I will read my studies and rely on experts that uphold the Christian view point so this argument goes around and around going no where. But it does seem to be that those raised or influence by unnatural circumstances will tend to follow those examples. This is a known fact of life. So again like Paul says doesn't even nature tell us when things are unnatural? Mike Gods is wishing you to quit your rebellion against Him and surrender all, even your "partner" He is calling. So in the long run mike and to all who believe as he does it really doesnâ
Does parental sexual orientation affect child development, and if so, how? Studies using convenience samples, studies using samples drawn from known populations, and studies based on samples that are representative of larger populations all converge on similar conclusions. More than two decades of research has failed to reveal important differences in the adjustment or development of children or adolescents reared by same-sex couples compared to those reared by other-sex couples. Results of the research suggest that qualities of family relationships are more tightly linked with child outcomes than is parental sexual orientation.
That's one abstract of a study proving my point...2 decades, now there is a longitudinal study Exodus could learn from!
Tom, funny, I have seen plenty of conclusive studies showing that there is no harm done, whatsoever, I have also seen studies that show the longer a child is in foster care, the more likely they are to get into drugs, promiscuity, and drop out of school. I'd be interested in seeing these studies you speak of.
Jester, I have nothing to say to you. I scoff at the fact you believe you are a Christian, as well as your ignorance. My relationship with my partner is about way more than sex, it is about a physical, spiritual, and emotional connection, the same (if not better) as any straight couple I know. You pretend to be so pious and follow the Bible, but if you're so secure in your faith, why do you always fall back on putting me down? You wouldn't be able to make a point unless you try to make what I am saying invalid, and you do that by trying to make fun of me the way a 5th grade boy would do. When comics swear, it is thought to be used as a crutch because their material isn't all that funny. When a Christian feels the need to put someone else down to prove a point, it is because what they are saying isn't all that true.
And I ask how healthy is it for the children to grow up in a unnatural family that was not designed by God? The jury is still out but the prelimanary studies seem to say that there is significant harm done to children in that type of enviroment. He is calling you to repent mike do you hear Him Gods Blessing In Christ Tom
Mike sex outside marriage whether it is "gay" sex or outside of marriage sex hurts people, period. As Paul said does not nature itself show you that is ungainst nature to engage in it? To your question of Jesus not mentioning homesexual relationships we have address it pretty well here and you refuse to hear it. It is true you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. Mike by your reasoning I can find no where in Scripture where Jesus came to save you, it is not in His word your name mike2685 is not mention!!!does that mean that you can not be saved? God is calling you mike do you hear Him. He is saying lean not onto your own understanding instead lean on His. Repent mike God loves you more then you know and He has great and wonderful gifts for you,(and your partner by the way) but you must accept His Son Jesus and turn from your sexual immorality. Gods Blessing In Christ Tom
but then you have to realize how carnal minded mike is. he's worried about drugs destroying our body. which is commendable. but Jesus also expects us to take care of our spirit body. and homosexuality destroys it.
but yes, just like drugs, its hard to tell someone that something is bad for them when it makes them feel so good.
Mike,
you show how foolish you are. you say that when Jesus speaks of marriage being between a man and a woman, that he didn't say that marriage between a man and a man was wrong. so homosexuality is ok, because Jesus didn't actually come out and say that homosexuality is wrong.
But when that same logic is used in regards to drugs, suddenly you do a complete 180. it's fuuny that you'll use our logic to defend your point when it suits your view. pathetic. really. it is.
Jester, Jesus did, actually. He said plenty about taking care of your body because it is your temple through which to do good deeds. We know drugs are horrible for your body, whereas being in a gay relationship does nothing harmful.
Yes, science can tear apart his followers. Science can do things like abort a baby, create bombs capable of leveling NYC, and test for genetic defects so that we can make our children perfect as we see fit. Science can also help bring us closer to truth. The truth of the matter is, loving my partner of the same sex is not immoral, those are standards you hold, but any mention in the Bible referred to sexual immorality in terms of what hurts your body (prostitution, orgies, etc.) You assume that my partner and I do things in our bedroom which is none of your business. Gay marriage does not have to do with how we have sex, but rather the fact that we do indeed love each other in a very healthy way, and that with our legal protection we will be better able to provide for the children we wish to adopt. If you want to say that's immoral, I question your morals.
James,
FYI. On the article "Mass. House Votes to Let Out-of-State Gays 'Marry' I responded to your comment on whether Paul was married or not. I think it's worth a look. Paul was single.
Mike
God warns us in the scriptures that science will tear apart his followers, but we are to stand steadfast for what He has written. Mike I am a scientist I take the position God comes first beore any scientific knowledge I have. I see somethiing amazing and attribute it to God. I do not have to understand how God did it, but I can revel in the fact of His vast knowledge and craftsmanship. He created us and the universe and by doing so He is the master behind any scientific laws we have. He said we are born in sin since the fall and it is past on in generations. If genes are proven to cause pre-dispositions for something I have to attribut it to sin compromised our genes.
Jesus did say that sexual immoral people won't go to heaven,(unless of course they repent and accept Christ. He did say that God created marriage for men and women and that sex outside of marriage is a sin. So that makes any sex outside of marriage a sin and wrong in His eyes. Not my words His. Now what words did I put in Jesus' mouth? please tell me. Mike the time is short for this world, are you listening for His voice? He is calling you to repent and become part of His kingdom, that is why Jesus died for you and me as well as all mankind because we can't get to heaven under our own good works, but we can get there by accepting and repenting and following Jesus. Do you hear Him mike? Why do you think you are so attracted to this forum? He is exposing you to the truth of His word. He is showing you that you can be healed, transformed but you have to let Him, Ask Mike He does love you so. Gods blessing In Christ Tom
let's see. you are his disciple if you follow Jesus command. Jesus said marriage was between a man and a woman, so if someone gets married to someone of the same sex, then he or she isn't following his command. and if he or she isn't then he or she must not be a disciple of Jesus.
Jesus never said drugs were bad for you either! so toke up, shoot up, snort up, whatever your preference may be...but drug use is okay! yes!
Jesus says nothing about gay relationship being unhealthy, thanks. Please don't put words in his mouth.
I am sorry Mike that is not what Jesus says in His word. We are to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul and mind. Jesus also said that if we love Him we will follow our Fathers commands. Jesus also said that if we are His friends we will do what He says. What Jesus said is contained in Gods Word the Bible. As I said before John said that Jesus is the word. Timothy said that the scriptures are good for teaching, preaching, rebuking, etc,etc. When you take all this in consideration plus the fact that you are not walking according to His commandments. One has to conclude you are not walking with the Lord. So the fact remains your doctrine is wrong.The question is are you going to humble yourself and accept what His word says or are you going to continue to be in rebellion to His precepts as put forth in the Bible. He loves mike! He sent His Son to die for you accept Him as Lord, walk the narrow road, and donâ
well thanks Troy :)
Mike-
You are an inspiration here. God bless you and your partner.
Well that's funny Squeaky, because my relationship couldn't be more about giving to the other. I put his needs before mine, as he does for me. Unnormal is not a word, so I'm going to leave that one alone, but could you show me some documentation that says it unhealthy to have a same sex relationship?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/10/health/10well.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/P/Parker-Pope,%20Tara
That's just one article proving you wrong, I'll be glad to supply more if you'd like.
It is unnormal and unhealthy to have such a same-sex relationship. It is all about me, myself, & I.
Self-focused on my needs, my wants, my desires.
You know what is right and wrong from your conscience and listening to your heart, where the Holy Spirit dwells. You know killing is wrong, you know sleeping around is wrong because you feel empty afterwards. I don't need to check my Bible to find scripture telling me if my feelings are good or not, I know, as does everybody. I never said I believe divorce is something God says is OK, but I can't believe God would want 2 people to stay in a marriage if it really is going to hurt them, all because they were young or got pregnant then rushed into it. Again, science has shown that is not healthy for either person or for the children involved. If I have a gene that makes me gay, then there is no changing who I am. I can choose not to have a relationship with my partner, but that would make me have a miserable life, and I would never be able to adopt children into a stable loving home. It would be selfish of my to sit around, living by myself, when i can in fact have a healthy, normal family with the man I love.
Mike
we are born of sin, with sinful desires already in place. Just because science says oh wait I think I have something here does not negate the fact that God is all powerful and can direct His universe in any means He wants. if they find a gene that says some men are prone to be adulterers, does that give me the green light to say ok I can do it now, or do I take the position becuase of sin I am born of sin and sin is within that genes are one of the things that were compromised. Since genes are passed from generation to generation and so is sin it makes since that they were. However, God says it is sinful it is, and I must take up my cross daily to follow Him