COLAGE is pleased to announce that this morning, the Massachusetts state legislature once-and-for-all defeated a state constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality. The narrow vote was a victory for gay marriage advocates and a blow to efforts to reverse the historic court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in the state. More than 8,500 gay couples have married in Massachusetts since it became legal in May 2004. To get the proposed ban on the 2008 statewide ballot would have required 50 votes. It got 45, with 151 lawmakers opposed.

To thank the legislators who voted against the ballot initiative, visit this list. This is also a great time for COLAGE youth and adults to write a short letter to your local newspaper applauding the decision and describing what it the support of the Massachusetts legislature of family equality means to you as the child of LGBT parent/s. Contact COLAGE if you would like support in drafting a letter.

COLAGE also is happy to celebrate the ongoing efforts of MassEquality, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), among other incredible advocates in Massachusetts, for their tireless work that led to this victory.