Take corrective action

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

Last week's decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court overturning a ban on same-sex marriages was clearly wrong and needs prompt corrective action.

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The court's 4-3 ruling said the state "failed to identify any constitutionally adequate reason for denying civil marriage to same-sex couples." Six of seven members of the court - including the opinion's author - were appointed by Republican governors. The opinion will not become effective for 180 days "to permit the Legislature to take such action as it may deem appropriate."

Abp. Sean O'Malley of Boston said he hopes the state's legislators "will have the courage and common sense to redress this situation for the good of society."

The Massachusetts Catholic Conference urged the Legislature to put the Marriage Affirmation and Protection Amendment Act on the 2006 ballot so voters "can reaffirm marriage as the union between one man and one woman, overriding the court's misguided decision."

The U.S. bishops' Administrative Committee was already on record in calling for a constitutional amendment to protect the unique social and legal status of marriage as a union of a man and a woman. And this month, the U.S. Bishops approved a 2,000-word teaching document on why same-sex unions should not be given the social or legal status of marriage. The statement is to be published in a brochure for wide distribution in parishes.

Clearly, steps need to be taken to protect the legal status of marriage as a union of one man and one woman while as a society we do more to champion and encourage marriage.

At the same time, the issue must not become a campaign against homosexuals. To do that would violate both Christianity and our constitution.