Joho the Blog
An Entry from the Archives

Massachusetts lawmakers postponed a vote that could have put gay marriage up for popular vote in 2008 ballot, which likely means the proposed amendment is dead.

While I'm not just certain that allowing gay marriage is the right thing to do, I'm overjoyed about it, I understand that there's an argument for putting it up for a vote. But I'm happy that my state today decided not to put it on the ballot, and not only because it means my position won't be overturned in the near future.

First, in our system, we allow the judicial system to recognize and preserve rights against the will of a majority of voters. This seems to me to be one of those rights.

Second—and I understand that this will be completely unconvincing to those who think gay marriage is an abomination—although I think an anti-gay marriage amendment would fail if put to a popular vote in Massachusetts, having to wait two years for the outcome of an election would put some families under terrible pressure.