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Marriage Equality: Good for Massachusetts
It is a significant moment when the three branches of the Massachusetts government stand united on matters of equality. In granting and protecting the rights of same-sex couples to marry, our government sent a powerful message: in this Commonwealth, an individual's sexual orientation has no bearing on their value or rights as a citizen.
Our Commonwealth is better as a result: families and children enjoy greater protections in times of crisis, communities are strengthened, and Massachusetts is a more welcoming place for gay and lesbian couples, their children, and their loved ones.
Marriage Equality is Good for Families
Families headed by same-sex couples have gained important benefits and legal protections that non-gay couples in Massachusetts have long enjoyed. As a result, families across the Commonwealth are safer and more secure, both economically and psychologically.
These benefits and protections include:
- Access to health insurance through a spouse's workplace
- The right to make medical decisions if one spouse is incapacitated
- Hospital visitation rights
- The ability to file joint tax returns in Massachusetts
- The ability to transfer property between spouses without being penalized by state gift taxes
- Ability to file for joint home and auto insurance policies
- The right to determine how and where a spouse is buried, in the event of his/her death
- Automatic inheritance of shared assets after a spouse's death
- Access to work leave benefits, such as sick time to care for an ailing spouse or non-biological child, or bereavement leave after the death of a spouse
Marriage equality has also given peace of mind to thousands of families headed by same-sex couples across the Bay State. These families now rest easier knowing that they have access to these important benefits and legal protections, particularly in times of crisis.
Marriage Equality is Good for Children
Marriage strengthens families - and children are more secure if they are raised in homes with two loving parents who have a legally recognized relationship with them and with each other.
Marriage equality has given thousands of children of same-sex couples across Massachusetts the knowledge that their family is just as good as any other family in Massachusetts and that, in the eyes of the law and in this society, their parents are not "less than" any other parents simply because of their sexual orientation.
Marriage Equality is Good for Communities
Our communities are stronger when we value all loving families. Individuals are more likely to take active roles in their communities when they know that they and their families are welcome and that they don't have to worry about losing their basic rights.
Our communities are also stronger when we encourage loving couples to make lifelong commitments and accept the responsibilities that come with marriage.
Massachusetts has the lowest divorce rate in the country because the institution of civil marriage thrives here. Indeed, marriage in Massachusetts has only grown stronger in the state as over 10,000 couples have entered into civil marriage and thousands more have organized to protect equal access to that institution for all couples, gay and non-gay alike.
