by free men...To deny this fundamental freedom on so unsupportable a basis as the racial qualifications embodied in these statutes, classifications so directly subversive of the principle of equality at the heart of the Fourteenth Amendment is surely to deprive all the State's citizens of liberty without due process of law (Stiers 9). This case was an enormous breakthrough by allowing a non-traditional couple to be married and is foreshadowing the future outcome of gay marriage. As our country moves through time, we realize the immorality of the limitations that oppress minority groups. "More recently, sexual identity and the gay rights movement have been housed in the 'new social movements' literature or as an expression of the 'values shift' evident in postindustrial societies" (Bailey 5). This "social movement" and "values shift" display the inevitable evolution of equality. Our nation's historical trend of marriage becoming more open is an obvious sign that it is inevitable that same-sex marriages will be legalized.
             The legalization of same-sex marriages is a modern and controversial issue that our society is struggling with to date. A story presented in Newsweek magazine explains the complications that our government has forced upon gay couples. In 1995, Hillary Goodridge was not allowed to enter the hospital room of her partner of sixteen years, Julie Goodridge. Julie was having complications birthing their unborn baby, Annie. Julie was forced to undergo an emergency Caesarian section. The hospital officials would not allow Hillary to enter the room to give support to her partner or witness the birth of her daughter simply because the law would not allow anybody besides a spouse or family member to enter the room. The couple was heartbroken and frustrated. Now, eight years later, Hillary and Julie were finally allowed to join together in marriage because of the new Massachusetts law. The court concluded that the Massachuse...