House: Out-of-state gays can marry here
Repeal of 1913 law could be an economic boon for Massachusetts
Metro Boston
By Matthew Killorin
July 30, 2008

Gay couples from around the U.S. are one step closer to coming to Massachusetts to marry, and many are predicting a cash windfall will accompany them.

The House voted yesterday to uphold the Senate’s repeal of a 1913 law preventing same-sex couples living in states other than Massachusetts from marrying here. Recent studies indicate that Massachusetts could benefit economically from the repeal through sales and occupancy taxes, licensing fees, job development and tourism. The Williams Institute of the UCLA Law School conducted a report at the end of June estimating a boost to the Bay State economy of $111 million over a three-year period.

“Very practically, I have friends who will come to Massachusetts to get married instead of going to California, especially from New York state, where Gov. (David) Paterson has said these marriages will be recognized,” Marc Solomon of MassEquality told The Associated Press.

Opponents of the bill are dismayed by the House vote. “With that protective barrier removed, out-of-state same-sex couples who marry here will sue to seek recognition in their home states, creating a flood of costly lawsuits and further eroding the people’s right to define marriage democratically,” the Massachusetts Family Institute said in a statement.

The repeal now rests with Gov. Deval Patrick, who has indicated he will sign it.

“The 1913 law is outdated and discriminatory. Repealing it is the right thing to do,” Patrick said in a statement.

Massachusetts is the second state in the nation to allow out-of-state, same-sex couples to marry, with California being the first after passing a law earlier this year with no residency requirement.