Massachusetts governor signs bill allowing out-of-state same-sex couples to marry

Earlier on this blog, I reported that although the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, Massachusetts has not been able to share in the economic benefits of being a marriage destination because a law passed in 1913 prevents marriages which would not be legal in the partners’ home states.  On July 15, 2008, the Massachusetts Senate voted to repeal this law and on July 29, 2008, the Massachusetts House voted 118-35 to repeal the law.

On July 31, 2008, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed this legislation into law.  Joining California, Massachusetts now allows non-resident same-sex individuals to marry even if their marriage would not be effective in their home states.

The following information is from Michael Levenson, Same-sex couples applaud repeal, Boston Globe, August 1, 2008:

The repeal * * * is expected to draw thousands to the state. A recent study the Patrick administration commissioned estimated that 32,200 couples would come to Massachusetts to marry in the next three years, creating 330 jobs and adding $111 million to the economy. * * *

The law took effect immediately because the Legislature attached an “emergency preamble,” which eliminated the customary 90-day waiting period after a bill is signed into law.