The nation remains split on the issue of gay marriage. The supporters of gay marriage took a beating during the last election where 11 states that put
traditional marriage definitions on the ballots passed. However, civil unions gain support in Vermont, domestic partners increased their benefits in
California, and a Texas sodomy law was struck down by the U.S. Supreme court. After the election, President Bush renewed his call for a constitutional
amendment defining marriage as an act between a man and a woman only. However supporters of the issue vow to continue their fight. Lawsuits are
already being filed in states that passed the bans and more are expected.
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BOSTON — The fight for gay marriage (search) appeared to be gaining ground a year ago. Although dozens of states had passed laws defining marriage as
a heterosexual institution, advocates took heart in state-sanctioned civil unions in Vermont, expanded domestic partnership benefits in California,
and a Supreme Court decision striking down the Texas sodomy ban.
Then, in a ruling hailed by supporters as the start of a new era, the highest court in Massachusetts made the state the first to sanction same-sex
marriages.
As supporters celebrate the first anniversary of that ruling Wednesday, both sides are digging in for tougher, longer battles.
Opponents of gay marriage are bolstered by this year's elections, when 11 states pushed through constitutional amendments banning gay marriage,
joining six others that had done so earlier. And President Bush has promised to make a federal anti-gay marriage amendment a priority of his second
term.
"I think what we're seeing now is a visible manifestation of the momentum that has been building and will continue to build," said Mat Staver,
president of the Liberty Counsel, a conservative, Orlando, Fla.-based law group, which is involved in 30 cases around the nation.
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This was and is going to be an inevitable battle of sorts. As homosexuality has moved into the mainstream, it is unlikely that the issue will simply
go away. Both sides are very passionate about their beliefs on the issue. I doubt that we will see the U.S. constitution amended as President Bush is
proposing. Rather, it will be a state by state issue as determined by the voters.
