Massachusetts' highest court ruled Tuesday that it is illegal under the state's constitution to ban gay marriages, but left it up to the state Legislature to decide whether the state should amend its Constitution to legalize gay marriages or unions. The decision was made public following months of debate after seven gay couples were denied marriage licenses in the state and then sued the state Department of Public Health. A lower court tossed the lawsuit out, but the couples then took it to the Supreme Judicial Court. The Massachusetts Constitution affirms the dignity and equality of all individuals. It forbids the creation of second-class citizens. This

Here are some of the benefits that homosexuals are denied. Employment benefits; insurance and pensions, equal access to housing, status as next-of-kin in medical emergencies, guardianship preferences for a disabled family member, preference in child custody and adoption, rights of inheritance, power to make funeral arrangements; no death benefits, also housing can be restricted to unmarried couples. (Bender, 31) “The center of marriage is an emotional, financial and psychological one. In this sense heterosexuals and homosexuals are identical.” (Bender, 53) “No civil marriage license is granted on the condition that the couple bear children.” (Bender, 53) Finally, “denying marriage to homosexuals is the most public affront possible to the public equality.” Bender, 53)

In the struggle for the legalization of gay marriages, the government is trying to create many regulations. The question is should the federal government be able to intervene in what happens between church and state? The government singles out a minority and decides that they cannot marry because of principled reasons. It is said that the federal government is founded on Christianity, which is the majority of the people. If it is ok to single out homosexuals and say that they may not be wed, we might as well just say that only Caucasian Christians are allowed to marry. If were going to discriminate against one group we might as well discriminate against all minorities.

A man by the name of E. Carrington Bogan, author, said that a family is the foundation of a strong society. Other groups of unrelated adults also form economically interdependent units that benefit society. Recognizing these other adults who chose to be economically interdependent could further societal stability traditionalists seem to promote. (Bender, 31)

The most upsetting story was when President Bush stepped before the public and backed a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriages. He mentioned the few judges who were handing out licenses for gay couples and stated that, “their action has created confusion on an issue that requires clarity.” (Reichmann, 1) Bush has classified himself as a “compassionate conservative.” Whatever that means. I cannot believe that president Bush would try to amend the constitution like that. His beliefs on gay marriages are complete bigotry, he is trying to add discrimination to our constitution. Some think that President Bush is just trying to help himself in the upcoming election, but this is not something you tamper with on hopes of continuing presidency. Senator John Kerry supports gay marriages saying, “ I believe President Bush is wrong. All Americans should be concerned when a president who is in political trouble tries to tamper with the Constitution of the United States at the start of his re-election campaign.” (Riechmann, A1)

There is one more current news story dealing with

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