The Massachusetts House voted Tuesday to repeal a law that had prohibited out-of-state gay couples from legally marrying in the Bay State.
By a margin of 118-35, legislators voted down the 1913 law, which nullified any marriage performed in Massachusetts that was not legal in a couple's home state. The state Senate approved repeal earlier this month and the bill is likely to reach Gov. Deval Patrick, who has pledged to sign it, within a week.
I thought this is a good opportunity to recall the wonderful events of the night of May 17th, 2004, when gay marriage became legal for the first time in Massachusetts. Moreover, the first place in the state that opened its gates to same-sex couples was just 2 blocks from me, namely, Cambridge city hall. At midnight, after a long celebration outside, the first couple got married.
Danny and Tao Kai had to wait until 4am that night to get their marriage license, but we all celebrated a few weeks later at their marriage.
For more pictures from these eventful nights, check my web site, taalul.com.
