MA Marriage Equality Activists "Optimistic"

[Ian David]

January 12, 2007
MA Marriage Activists "Optimistic"

<snip>

“Marriage represents everything politically right now for the GLBT community in Massachusetts and throughout the country,” said Mass. state Rep. Carl Sciortino (D-Somerville), an openly gay lawmaker, now entering his second term in the legislature. “If we lose this one battle right now, we lose an important opportunity.”

In order for the ban to go into effect, the legislature must approve it one more time before it would go to a statewide vote in 2008. Before the measure advances, it must garner 50 votes out of a possible 200 again. Only then will voters have their say.

Prospects for killing the ban seem brighter in the new year, but victory is not certain. Still, marriage equality allies on Beacon Hill are hard at work. “A year ago, people laughed at us, at the idea we could be in a real fight,” said Mass. state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson (D-Roxbury).

“We are optimistic,” she said, encouraging advocates and supporters alike “to stay focused on the goal.” Wilkerson said, sounding a caution, “Hold your tongue. Because the very people you are angry with today are the people we are going to be talking with to get them to see the light. I am confident there are a lot of people who will.”

More:
http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2007/01/ma-marriage-activists-optimistic.html