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CITY GOVERNMENT
A majority of city councilors backs SJC decision
BY DEIRDRE FULTON

On Tuesday, Boston’s city council largely came out in support of Tuesday’s Supreme Judicial Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage. A statement supported by seven of the 13 councilors commended the court and exhorted the state legislature to take victory to the next level.

"The Councilors today praised the decision and urged the Legislature to act swiftly to grant equal rights to same-sex couples, including the right to civil marriage," read the statement, which was backed by council president Michael Flaherty, at-large councilors Maura Hennigan and Felix Arroyo, and district councilors Michael Ross, John Tobin, Chuck Turner, and Charles Yancey.

As Tobin put it, "It’s a great step in the right direction."

The Boston City Council, this one in particular, has been generally supportive of the rights of gays and lesbians. "Boston has been ready for this," said Ross, who helped draft the statement, which noted that the council has vocally opposed a constitutional ban on gay marriage and supported domestic partnerships in the past.

Only one councilor, James Kelly of South Boston, stood staunchly opposed to the ruling and to unions of same-sex couples. Smiling bemusedly, he admitted, "I’m usually alone on these things."

The whole matter could have been resolved two years ago, when a petition to put same-sex marriage on the 2002 ballot was brought before then–Senate president Tom Birmingham, Kelly insisted Tuesday afternoon. "Shame on Birmingham" for "killing" that petition, he said, chastising the Democratic politician who was, at the time, running for governor. Kelly, echoing the sentiments of gay-marriage-rights opponents, said the voters of Massachusetts should be given the opportunity to express their opinions at the voting booths in 2006.

The council was expected to discuss the matter at Wednesday’s meeting, where it would consider how it could make its voice heard at the State House most effectively.

"This should send a message to the State House," said Ross, adding that he hopes that once 180 days have passed, the legislature will have at least compromised by legalizing civil unions, as in Vermont. "Humanity, equity, and equality," he noted, "are important for Massachusetts."


Issue Date: November 21 - 27, 2003
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