The Supreme Court in Massachusetts overruled the state’s ban on same-sex marriages in 2003, stating it was unconstitutional. The court ruled that by banning gay marriage, the government denied all people the benefits, obligations, and protections afforded by civil marriage. The ruling now allows people of the same sex the opportunity to marry. All 50 states legalized same-sex marriages in 2015, following the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Obergefell vs. Hodges case. The court held that marriage licenses must be issued to gay couples, and states should recognize gay marriages carried out in foreign jurisdictions.

The debate on gay marriage has become caught between law and morality. What is moral to one person appears to be immoral to another. 

Political pressure is a major factor that influences rulings on same-sex marriages. Some legislators sought to introduce an amendment in Massachusetts’ constitution to limit same-sex marriages based on their moral and religious beliefs, however, the move was contested and defeated by civil unions. Those opposed to same sex marriage believe that the legal protections and union of a marriage should be between a man and woman due to procreation purposes. Since same-sex couples would not be able to procreate naturally, those opposed to gay marriage do not believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry. It is believed that children need a mother and father to grow up mentally and emotionally healthy. 

Regardless of the legal status, some still oppose same-sex marriage on the grounds of freedom of religion. The concern is that by openly allowing gay marriage, it infringes on the rights of those who hold those religious ideals where homosexuality is explicitly prohibited. Supporting or endorsing gay marriage contradicts the individuals religious and moral beliefs, and therefore infringes on their religious freedom. 

According to the Supreme Court in Obergefell vs Hodges, those who framed the constitution did not intend to know the extent of freedom or to limit freedom. Instead, it assumed that future generations would interpret liberty literally as it means, and it should encompass new insights. The court holds that gay marriage is an exercise of the fundamental right to marry.

The question for debate, should gay marriage remain legal in Massachusetts?