Wrote my state reps about same gender divorce.

[No Elephants]

I live in Massachusetts, which, as you know, was the first state in the U.S. to recognize same gender marriage. I have been reading about states refusing divorces to same gender couples. So, this morning, I wrote my state rep and my state senator the following and I hope they act:




"I believe that Massachusetts should pass a law allowing anyone who married in Massachusetts to divorce in Massachusetts without satisfying a year-long residency requirement IF the statutes or court decisions of the state, other than Massachusetts, in which such person resides do not, as a matter of the public policy of such other state, allow said person to obtain a divorce. (The condition will keep Massachusetts from becoming a divorce mill, like Reno, Nevada, if that is a concern.)

Why do I believe Massachusetts needs this law? Massachusetts has long had a public policy that no one should be forced to remain in an undesired marriage. Yet, because of the intolerance of other states, people who married in Massachusetts may be forced to remain in undesired marriages. Specifically, I have been reading news articles from states like Texas and Pennsylvania stating that the courts of those states have denied divorce to same gender couples who were married in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts can be proud that it led the entire nation in granting equal human rights to all humans. However, until all other states also make marriage an equal right for all humans--or at least make divorce an equal right--same people who marry here are placed in a ridiculous position if they are residents of other states or if they are Massachusetts residents who move elsewhere in that they may not be able to divorce.

This law, if passed, would be another equal rights milestone for Massachusetts. It would also be good for business that grew up around Massachusetts gay marriage law. (Gay people came to Massachusetts to marry, but that practice may well lessen as they realize they may not be able to divorce.) Obviously, it will also result in some increase business for Massachusetts lawyers who handle divorces, as well as hotels, etc. (Presumably, one or both spouses will visit Massachusetts during the process to visit with their attorney, make court appearance, etc. However, admittedly, this probably is not likely to provide huge amounts of business.

Most importantly, it will help married people who should have equal access to divorce, but cannot move out of their home states for a year in order to get a divorce and have no other choice but to remain married, unless Massachusetts takes this step.

Thank you for considering action to correct this inequity brought about by intolerance."



People in other states that recognize same gender marriage might consider doing something similar.