The issue of gay marriage has polarized the country. This even- handed film follows events in Massachusetts after the state supreme court ruled 4 to 3 in favor of allowing same sex marriage. It is at the same time a lesson in the turbulent political process as a compelling portrait of several responsible, loving, stable couples who yearn for recognition by the state and their community to validate their families.

Central to the story are Ellen Wade and Maureen Brodoff, both attorneys, who met and fell in love twenty years ago in law school. They have a fifteen ­year- old daughter Kate who appears to thrive. Although they have a comfortable suburban life, they feel deeply that they have been deprived of marital status and are "second-class citizens" because they are not "man and wife."

The film follows Ellen and Maureen through the filing of the original lawsuit to their historic wedding, supported along the way by gay and lesbian organizations. It also treats with respect the opposition, whose deeply held convictions mobilize them to political action. By examining the political, religious and psychological arguments involved in the heated gay marriage debate, the film demonstrates just how central our concept of marriage is to us as individuals and as members of society.

"Despite the focus on Ellen and Maureen, the producers of the video have tried to provide balance in their presentation of the issue. As the battle unfolds throughout the story, the perspectives of both pro-gay marriage and anti-gay marriage forces are shown - each in its own way somewhat dogmatic in their beliefs and approaches to the issue. This video would function as an excellent teaching tool for individuals to ponder how each of our belief systems develop and how to best use that insight in a shrinking world." Educational Media Reviews Online