The "Alternatives to Marriage" Project has changed its name to "Unmarried Equality". A substantial part of my practice involves supporting unmarried persons obtain legal rights and obligations which are intentionally similar to the rights and obligations which come from the secular recognition of marriage. Individuals in all possible combinations, who can not or choose not to marry, can use durable powers of attorney, trusts, and partnership agreements to accomplish this. Allowing same-sex marriage in Massachusetts is only one (albeit substantial) part of unmarried equality. I encourage you to look at Unmarried Equalities web site and consider their thoughts and how they might apply to you and the people you care about. They are not seeking to reduce the value of marriage in society; they strive to have society recognize that unmarried people should be able have the same rights and responsibilities as those who have chosen to enter into marriage.
Unmarried Equality