Equal Marriage Rights

Independent judges in Massachusetts decided the landmark Goodridge v. Department of Public Health case in 2003, recognizing equal marriage rights under that state’s constitution. In January 2006, a judge in Maryland similarly found that prohibiting marriage for same-sex couples violates that state’s constitution (the Maryland case is on appeal).

Currently, lawsuits seeking equal marriage rights are pending in states across the nation. Congress has passed the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” and may pass additional legislation in this area that could also come before the courts (it is also possible Congress will attempt to short-circuit judicial review of such legislation through constitutional amendment or other legislation). We need independent judges to hear these cases and fulfill the promise of equality for all when it comes to this basic, fundamental right.