Massachusetts state senator encourages UMass graduating class to continue to fight for equality

Openly gay Massachusetts state senator, Stanley C. Rosenberg, encouraged the 2010 University of Massachusetts graduating class to continue to fight for freedom.

Although Massachusetts was the first state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage, Rosenberg assures the UMass graduating class that the fight for freedom and equality is far from over.

masslive reports:

While the state Supreme Judicial Court ruled that “you must be treated equally,” he said, same-sex marriage is only allowed in four states and the District of Columbia.

The fight’s not over until everyone in the United States can marry and have equal benefits, he said. “We’re entitled to it under the promise of this country,” he said.

Rosenberg asked that the graduates “help carry on the fight so there will be no need for the Stonewall Center.” The center provides support, advocacy and programs to support lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender people on campus and in the Pioneer Valley.

Rosenberg, who was on crutches because of a broken foot, said he was accepting the award on behalf of the state Legislature. When the fight first started, he said, only 50 legislators supported the bill to ensure same-sex marriage. When it came time to vote, 158 favored it.

He also accepted the award on behalf of “my constituents who have the wisdom” to keep electing him. Rosenberg became a state senator in 1991, taking the over the seat after U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, left to run for the U.S. House.