Senator Elizabeth Warren, former Rep.
Barney Frank and Bishop Gene Robinson are among those featured in a
video celebrating the 10th anniversary of the ruling in
Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, which made
Massachusetts the first state where gay and lesbian couples could
marry.
Ten years later, gay couples can
exchange vows in 16 states plus the District of Columbia.
“Goodridge really set the
terms of the debate,” attorney Mary L. Bonauto, who argued the
case, said in the five-and-a-half minute video. “And frankly, if
it's possible, the decision looks even more wise and insightful 10
years out, than even it did at the time.”
Frank, the first openly gay member of
Congress, said: “We finally got a reality with which to beat the
prejudice to death. It was important for us to protect that reality
in one state. And ultimately it would spread.”
“Ten years ago, the landmark
Goodridge decision made it clear: No one should be discriminated
against because of who they love,” Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth
Warren said.
Robinson, the first openly gay bishop
in the Episcopal Church, added that it would be “hard to overstate
the importance of the Goodridge case in our movement.” (The
video is embedded on this page. Visit
our video library for more videos.)
Thanks to the ruling in Goodridge,
which turned 10 on Monday, at least 16,000 gay couples have married
in Massachusetts.