Block to Gay Marriages Lifted

On Beacon Hill, the House has repealed an almost 100- year-old law, all but clearing the way for same-sex couples from out of state to get married in Massachusetts.

WBUR's Abigail Beshkin reports.

BESHKIN: The House voted 118 to 35 to repeal the 1913 law, which said a gay couple banned from marrying in their home state could not legally marry in Massachusetts either.

Activists who had hoped to keep the law on the books say repealing it could create legal chaos in other states. Kris Mineau of the Massachusetts Family Institute cites one instance — when a same sex couple decides to divorce:

MINEAU: It's a legal limbo, not just for the couples but for any children that are involved, it's a real nightmare

BESHKIN: The Senate has already voted for the repeal. Governor Deval Patrick is expected to sign it into law.