Marriage is a legal relationship and a social status understood everywhere.
The seven Massachusetts couples have been in committed relationships between five and 30 years. All are concerned about providing the security for each other and their families which automatically comes with marriage and is not available to them. Many of the couples want marriage to make a statement to their families and others about the commitment of their relationship. Each of the couples in this case are part of the community, said Bonauto. They share a great deal in common with other families in Massachusetts.