Boy, do we have smart readers! Inspired by my NRODT article about the
Gender Recognition Bill, a reader has solved the Massachusetts
constitutional conundrum:
“Derb—Your recent article regarding the Gender Recognition Bill got me to
thinking about the problem in Massachusetts. Everyone assumes the Court has
checkmated the Legislature by mandating gay marriage on a timeline that
cannot be blocked by amending the state constitution. But there is another
way. To make a point, could the Legislature not pass a law eliminating all
marriage until an amendment is passed? This would still provide equal
protection to all. Hetero couples wishing to marry could simply do so in a
neighboring state. Massachusetts is relatively small; thirty minutes in some
direction will get you to a state where marriage is legal. Same-sex couple
could drive to Vermont for their civil union. Then, in 2005 or 2006,
whenever an amendment is passed, the Legislature could reauthorize
marriage.”