Next Battle Ready for Mass. Gay Marriage

Opponents of gay marriage demonstrate for their position on the issue across the street from the Statehouse in Boston while Massachusetts lawmakers voted to kill a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, Thursday afternoon, June 14, 2007. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia) (Stephan Savoia - AP)

Mineau seconded that sentiment Friday.

"It will open the floodgates for Massachusetts to become the Mecca for same-sex marriage," he said. "Their goal is to strike down the marriage restrictions in every state. Their launching pad will be Massachusetts."

Arline Isaacson, co-chair of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, said "no one is rushing" to push for the repeal but she's confident it will happen.

"In the short term, we want everyone to rest, breathe and appreciate the incredible victory that took place," she said.

Marc Solomon, campaign director of MassEquality, said he expects to set up meetings with legislative leaders and the governor sometime soon to discuss moving a bill to repeal the law.

The state's top three political leaders _ Gov. Deval Patrick, House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and Senate President Therese Murray _ are all strong supporters of gay marriage who indicted they would support repeal of the law.

David Guarino, a spokesman for DiMasi said Friday: "As a strong supporter of gay marriage rights, the Speaker believes the so-called 1913 law is outdated and unfair. He believes it should be repealed."

Senate president believes it is "an antiquated law" and supports its repeal, said Murray spokeswoman Samantha Dallaire. The Senate voted to repeal the law in 2004, but it didn't get further, she said.

Patrick's office declined to comment Friday, but the governor in April said: "I know that the 1913 law has sort of smelly origins. I think it's outdated. If it passes the Legislature and comes to my desk, I'll sign it."