With the 2006 campaign behind us, issues for future campaigns are beginning to emerge. The future of Massachusetts' experiment with same-sex marriage will make the commonwealth a nationwide leader on another cutting-edge issue.
Massachusetts has a long history of being the first to enact legislation the rest of the nation soon adopts. From the first constitution in the United States in 1780 to the first minimum wage in 1912, the state has a history of blazing trails that soon become part of the nation's political fabric.
Whatever happens, the future of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts will alter the national debate on the issue. Over half of the United States has effectively settled the issue by enacting constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage in state legislature. But for over 20 states that remain, Massachusetts' next steps could provide a blueprint for future actions.
Leadership on civil rights is always hard to find in the halls of government. Many are eager to follow, but few are prepared to pave the way. Massachusetts stands alone as the state that can pair a successful history of same-sex marriage with the political courage to push the civil rights envelope.
That process has already begun. Recently, the state Supreme Judicial Court forced the legislature to act, declaring that legislators had to vote on a proposed amendment before the session ended in January. The amendment was proposed by anti-same-sex marriage activists who countered the state's policy of issuing gay marriages since 2004. Collecting over 100,000 signatures, the activists tried to force a statewide referendum on the matter with hope of banning the practice. During its last session, the legislature begrudgingly allowed this process to continue. Now, the legislature has taken a first step (albeit controversial) towards fulfilling their legal obligation to bring finality to this issue. Precisely which avenue will finalize same-sex marriage is all the rage in the current debate. To confirm the last session's work, this legistlature must also vote to have a referendum. One thing is for sure: Massachusetts must act.
But it's the politicians who will ultimately enable a solution. The legislature must allow a statewide referendum or develop a legislative solution. Governor Patrick and most of the members of the legislature seem unwilling to let the petition process come to a vote. They believe the best way to enact minority rights is not through a public vote, but through the actions of duly elected legislators acting in the best interest of the future of the state. It appears most voters agree, too. Polls consistently show Massachusetts voters would turn down the ballot question currently on the table.
Like all issues in politics, it's rarely that simple. Questions about rights of individuals to force a vote on a controversial issue and how the government should address minority rights have quickly escalated the debate. Moreover, a generational divide enters the fray. Younger voters, regardless of political affiliation, seem to be more likely to warm to same-sex rights than older voters. How partisan politicians will address this divide is unclear. Students and young people have the ability to take control of the political system by actively making their views and futures central to the discussion.
While the debate is far from settled, it seems like same-sex marriage, in some form, is here to stay. The degree the politicians and public support it will decide how far the issue seeps into the national conscience. An enthusiastic embrace of the full marriage rights combined with a thriving and stable married LGBT community would demonstrate to the country the viability of same-sex marriage and would see Massachusetts carry on its centuries-old tradition of progressive leadership.
