July 15, 2008 Repeal would let out-of-state gays marry in Mass. Play video

(NECN: Latoyia Edwards, Boston, Mass.) - In Massachusetts, the Senate is examining a 1913 law that declares couples cannot be married in Massachusetts if their unions are not recognized in their home states. Today, lawmakers are expected to vote on whether or not to repeal that law, which, if supported, could draw large numbers of out-of-state gay couples to Massachusetts.

The Democratic leaders of the House and Senate and Governor Deval Patrick support the repeal, which could come up for a vote as early as today in the Senate.

Opponents of gay marriage fear eliminating the law would open the gay marriage floodgates.

California's embrace of same-sex marriage has breathed new life into the repeal drive. The state has no residency requirement for marriage.

Massachusetts became the first state to issue marriage licenses to gay couples in 2004.

*Material from the Associated Press used in this report*