Gay and lesbian
couples from outside Massachusetts are now free to marry
in the state. Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill repealing
a 1913 law that barred couples from marrying in
Massachusetts if their union would not be valid in
their own states. Out-of-state gay couples will be able
to marry immediately if a court waives the state's standard
three-day waiting period for them.
Gay and lesbian
couples from outside Massachusetts are now free to marry
in the state.
Gov. Deval
Patrick has signed a bill repealing a 1913 law that barred
couples from marrying in Massachusetts if their union would
not be valid in their own states.
Out-of-state gay
couples will be able to marry immediately if a court
waives the state's standard three-day waiting period for
them.
Opponents had
said repealing the law would make Massachusetts the ''Las
Vegas of gay marriage.'' But Patrick says the old law had
its roots in racism as it was seen as a way of
preventing interracial marriages.
The new law
includes a provision waiving the customary 90-day waiting
period for the change to go into effect. (AP)
Click here to follow The Advocate on Twitter.
Page 1 of 1