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August 01, 2008

New Mass. Law Lets Out-of-State Gay Couples Marry

New Mass. Law Lets Out-of-State Gay Couples Marry

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)

© 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Reader Comments

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  • Name: Bb
    Date posted: 2008-08-01 2:28 PM
    Hometown: Seaside

    Comment:

    Congratulations, Massachusetts! You beat California to the punch on being the first state to allow gays to marry and we are thrilled to know that another state in our great nation now allows gay marriages from other states as well. I was born in Mass and chose to make my home in CA, so I'm double-proud. And I'm also MARRIED - in San Francisco - the second week it was possible and it feels fantastic! Published our announcement in our local paper to help the movement and let it be known, we have the same right to love our partner as anyone else. It really does make a difference in society and we have had many wonderful comments and responses from people in our area congraulating us. It feels wonderful. Way to go, Massachusetts. So it begins ... nation-wide changes to follow ... federal recognition next! Best wishes to all the new married couples and those-to-be.


  • Name: Matthew G. Myers
    Date posted: 2008-08-01 7:52 AM
    Hometown: New York

    Comment:

    My partner and I (8 years) will be getting married in Mass. In sept. I am so excited!


  • Name: Michael Blair
    Date posted: 2008-07-31 11:35 PM
    Hometown: Concord, CA

    Comment:

    As a gay Californian, I salute Massachusetts! Now my gay brothers and lesbian sisters will have more options to marry. We are fighting hard here in the Golden State to make sure that marriage remains legal after November. There's a very good chance we can win! Good job, Massachusetts!!!! You won out over hate, exclusion and prejudice and you're in inspiration to all Americans!


  • Name: Tom
    Date posted: 2008-07-31 10:25 PM
    Hometown: Reston, VA

    Comment:

    We're headed to San Fran next week for our wedding - from the Washington, DC area. We'd have gone to Mass. as well if this had happened sooner. The good news is that Mass. is our back up plan if they decide to invalidate the marriages in CA, but from what I'm reading, that's not likely.


  • Name: Michael
    Date posted: 2008-07-31 9:13 PM
    Hometown: boston

    Comment:

    Gosh. I sure am proud of the state that I live in!!!! :-)))


  • Name: Steve & Pete
    Date posted: 2008-07-31 7:05 PM
    Hometown: Norfolk, Va.

    Comment:

    Darn... we flew to California to be married this past Monday. Double-ring ceremony with our best friends. Coulda saved air cost/hassles and driven to Mass. But what the heck, everyone at the county clerk's office in Redwood City was great, the Palomino Restaurant in Sanm Francisco treated us to champagne at our celebratory dinner and best of all... we're married!


  • Name: Chris
    Date posted: 2008-07-31 3:46 PM
    Hometown: Worcester

    Comment:

    Hi Dennis, As a Bay Stater I say "Welcome and Congrat!!!!!!" Best Wishes to you both.


  • Name: Dennis
    Date posted: 2008-07-31 3:09 PM
    Hometown: Maine

    Comment:

    Hello Massachusetts - My partner and I will be driving down from Maine!


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