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Mainers have a lot to be proud of, but yesterday Massachusetts proved to be ahead of the game. On Tuesday, another barrier to marriage equality was broken down by the Massachusetts legislature.

Massachusetts state legislators repealed the so-called 1913 law that prevented out-of-state couples from marrying there. Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to sign the bill into law later this week --- and when he does, Maine couples will be able to go to Massachusetts to marry.

This is terrific news for all of us who support marriage equality, and especially for same-sex couples who want to get married. If that's you, I urge you to consider the following:

• Think carefully about the issues involved. You will be married despite the fact that Maine will not recognize your marriage. That means that if you ever wish to end the marriage, you may do so only as a resident of a state that recognizes same-sex marriages (currently Massachusetts or California).
• Visit GLAD's website (www.glad.org) to read the publications "How to Get Married in Massachusetts" and "Marriage: Tips and Traps." Also, "Make Change, Not Lawsuits" will help you find many effective ways to seek respect for your marriage.
• Call GLAD's InfoLine (1-800-455-4523) Monday-Friday, 1:30-4:30 p.m., to get your questions answered.
• If you decide to get married, please share your story with us. It may help us win marriage in Maine. Send an email to info@mclu.org 
• Finally, get in touch with the MCLU if you'd like to learn more about our efforts to win full equality for the LGBT community in this state. We can't do it without you.

Thanks for all that you do,

Alex, Brianna, Ed, Marian, Shenna, Zach

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