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