Gay Marriage

FEDERAL COURT ASKED TO FORCE FLORIDA TO RECOGNIZE MASSACHUSETTS' GAY MARRIAGE.

Just as many opponents of gay marriage anticipated, a lawsuit has been filed in federal court in attempt to force a state that does not recognize gay marriage into accepting the Massachusetts "marriage" of two lesbians performed in 2004.

There are currently 39 states, Florida being one, that have enacted DOMA (the defense of marriage act); this suit asks the Federal Court to overturn the will of the citizens of Florida. Gay couples from at least 46 states have gone to Massachusetts to get marriage licenses; more suits are likely to come in the near future in other federal courts.

Those who are opposed to gay marriages, will see this as validation to their argument and support for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Only 48 senators voted in favor of such an amendment last summer. Expect it to be a hot topic again.

Addendum:

Thirteen states have passed initiatives for state constitutional amendments to defend traditional marriages. More states, encouraged by these results, are considering amendments as well. Texas, Virginia, Washington, Idaho, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts are considering/working on state constitutional amendments.

The ACLU, which is opposed to such amendments, is offering free help to those who are fighting against these constitutional measures. They are hoping to find friendly federal judges to overturn existing and any future statutes and legislation.