For immediate release: Feb. 5, 2004

Contact: Dignity/Boston:
Alice Knowles: 617.421.1915

Contact: DignityUSA
Matthew Gallagher: cell — 301.325.7650

Gay Catholics Hail Massachusetts High Court Ruling on Same Sex Marriage

Dignity/Boston and DignityUSA Celebrate Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's Clarity and Forcefulness on Equality

Boston, MA and Washington, DC — The leaders of Dignity/Boston and DignityUSA hailed the most recent statement of the highest court in Massachusetts affirming the rights of same-sex couples to marry as further and significant progress on the road to full inclusion.

"For the second time in three months, the highest court in Massachusetts has spoken unequivocally on this issue," commented Alice Knowles, president of Dignity/Boston. "Clearly Massachusetts is in the forefront of recognizing the rights of GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) people in society, and as a group that has served the community here for more than 30 years, we are proud and thrilled."

"DignityUSA and Dignity/Boston have consistently called for marriage rights for same sex couples — in society and in our church, Locally, Dignity/Boston has engaged in and will continue to pursue a campaign to rally GLBT people, and especially our straight Catholic allies, to oppose efforts to amend the state constitution," continued Knowles.

Activities in Massachusetts have included letter-writing, and contacting legislators, specifically letting lawmakers know that the Catholic bishops don't speak for all Catholics on this issue, dialogue with family, friends and co-workers and witness of committed same-sex partnerships and families.

"Dignity/Boston and DignityUSA's support for same-sex marriage is based in our commitment to civil rights for all and our dedication to the justice teachings of Jesus," explained Matthew Gallagher, executive director of DignityUSA.

"Both nationally and locally, DignityUSA has been working hard on this issue, from signing on to an amicus brief that went before the Supreme Judicial Court in Massachusetts to an ongoing dialogue with Catholics — from the bishops to the local parishes. DignityUSA speaks on behalf of thousands of GLBT Catholics, families, friends and allies, including those who are unable to speak for themselves" said Gallagher.

Gallagher continued, "In addition, we've been living the reality that is being debated across the country today. DignityUSA and our chapters have been celebrating these unions for many years now. We believe that the committed love between two adults is divinely created and one day, our church will bless it. In the meantime, we believe no constitution should limit the opportunity for gay and lesbian couples to participate fully in the civil benefits and protections of our democratic society."

Dignity/Boston is a progressive and inclusive community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics, our families, friends and supporters. The community gathers for liturgy every Sunday at the Church of St. John the Evangelist on Beacon Hill in Boston. Dignity/Boston celebrated its 30th year of service to the community and witness to the Catholic Church in 2002. For more information, please visit www.dignityboston.org

DignityUSA is the foremost organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics, their families, friends and supporters. Founded in 1969, it is an independent nonprofit organization with members and Chapters across the country. DignityUSA works for full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in the life of the Church and Society.

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