A longtime state representative leaving office in January 2025 cited the Massachusetts Legislature's refusal to put same-sex marriage to a statewide referendum as among his proudest moments in office.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in November 2003 issued a 4-3 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in the state, the first jurisdiction in the United States to do so. It took effect May 17, 2004. Opponents of same-sex marriage gathered signatures of registered voters to bring to the statewide ballot a proposed amendment to the state constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
For more than 20 years, Eleanor McCullen has advocated for life outside of abortion facilities in Massachusetts.
She's not a sign-waving protester. McCullen works as a sidewalk counselor, approaching women entering abortion facilities and trying to understand their difficult position. After a few minutes of discussion, she gently introduces the baby and encourages the woman to visit a crisis pregnancy center for an ultrasound.
