I hear all the time about gay marriage bringing about the downfall of the entire marital institution. Of course, in the past all we had to go by were foreign countries who legalized gay marriage, with no affect on the institution at all. We never had, until recently, an American example. With the legalization of gay marriage in Massachusetts and New Jersey, of course, this has changed. So, what have the effects of gay marriage been in those states? Massachusetts provides the best example, because as opposed to New Jersey which just recently legalized the rights of gays and lesbians to marry, Massachusetts legalized it long ago. And, interesting, Massachusetts has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country!  Furthermore, there has been no sign whatsoever that marriages in Massachusetts (again, with one of the lowest divorce rates in the nation) have suffered at all. It makes a strong point, and, I believe, as gay marriage is legalized in other states, the point will be made loud and clear: the insitution of marriage is in no way, shape or form, threatened by allowing gays and lesbians to take part in it.

The upcoming Presidential Election has been dominating the news lately, but on election day, there will be a crucial event for gay marriage. In California, voters will either affirm or deny the rights of gay people to marry. Of course, gay couples in California have been permitted to vote now as a result of the Supreme Court of Calofornia’s decision to legalize gay marriage, but gay marriage opponents are seeking to amend the state Constition, which would overturn the Supreme Court decision. A similar measure passed in Hawaii when the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage. If you have not already done so, please get involved! Gay marriage is now legal in Connecticut and Massachusetts, by court order. If California defeats the anti-gay marriage resolution, it will be the first state in the union not only to legalize gay marriage, but also to do so through a vote of the mjority of the people. A historic vote, and a historic day for our community.