Gay Marriage Legalized in Massachusetts

"The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry... marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial, and social benefits... The question before us is whether, consistent with the Massachusetts Constitution, the Commonwealth may deny the protections, benefits, and obligations conferred by civil marriage to two individuals of the same sex who wish to marry. We conclude that it may not." Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, November 18, 2003

Constitution of the State of California

"A citizen or class of citizens may not be granted privileges ... not granted on the same terms to all citizens." California State Constitution

Constitution of the State of New York

"No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof." New York State Constitution

From The Founding Fathers 3

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759

From The Founding Fathers 2

"All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possesses their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression." Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801

From The Founding Fathers

"The continual effort and alarm attendant on a state of continual danger will compel nations the most attached to liberty to resort for repose and security to institutions which have a tendency to destroy their civil and political rights. To become more safe, they at length become less free." Alexander Hamilton, 1787