If all Democratic politicians were in the same situation (as in MA) across this country, then perhaps they could be relied upon to act like Gov Patrick. Eliot Spitzer is also backing up his words with actions.

It doesn't mean that the Democratic Party is going to do the right thing no matter what the outcome. It means that they will do the right thing when they are sure it will not harm them.

The MA story isn't a reason to support the Democrats. It is an example of what can happen when enough citizens take action and force/convince/coerce politicians to act responsibly - because it is right not because it will help them win the next election.

One of the themes here was that constituents called their legislators and told them they had changed their minds. Two examples of this:

My grandparents: Painfully Catholic; years ago, an unmarried couple (hetero) wanted to rent an apartment from them. My grandfather didn't know if he should, so he asked his preist, who told him not to. So he didn't.

But ten years ago, they rented to a gay couple. People change. They learn. It's just hard when you're life is progressing and you have to be the one waiting. But it will come.

Jebus, while it's good she supports it, I wish she had a less self-serving reason.

I'm feeling a little less bitchy, thanks Dan.

The same article quoted another legislator, Richard Ross of Wrentham, who changed his vote: "Ross said he no longer believes that people should vote on the matter, and feared that 'hatred and vitriol' would dominate the ballot question campaign.
"'Nine thousand of them have now married, who have blended into society, who have hurt no one,' Ross said. 'I just couldn't see exposing them to all of that stuff over the next two years. I know there's going to be a lot of folks that I need to apologize to in my district,' he said. 'Whatever happens I'm moving forward. I know I did the right thing.'"

Kinda has a nice ring to it...

There is something about the reasons for the changes in votes that seems to me like a magical moment after several years of politicians on the national stage making the wrong decisions for the wrong reasons completely seperated from considerations of human dignity and a vision of just peaceful society.

My father came out in the 60s. I wish he could be alive to see this today.

Hurray for Mass! I am confident that in my lifetime marriage equality will be on the books in all states. Today we look at laws that made it illegal for interracial couples to marry and think WTF? That'll be the general reaction 50 years from now when people remind their kids there was a time when Uncle Rick and Uncle Paul wouldn't have been able to get married.

My grandmother had to go to Tijuana to get married because she was Korean, her husband was white, and it was illegal in the US.

Seriously. WTF.

I wonder how that would have gone down. But I'm glad the elected representatives did their jobs appropriately.

People are changing their minds. I almost can't believe it.