Given the temper of the times, any progress at all is welcome. George Bush is pledged to repay the religious right, probably by advancing the careers of judges who issue homophobic rulings. He's already nominated John Ashcroft who when he was Missouri state attorney general made sure that people around him had a "normal" sexual orientation.

The Massachusetts policy change isn't the best we could hope for, but at least it's something. I wouldn't reject it because it's short of some imagined optimum. Take note also that progress has occurred in a state run by Democrats. Do not expect it in a Federal government run by Republicans.

The right wing continues to provide political cover for homophobes. The best chance for achieving legal equality is with the Democrats. We don't run pageants or minstrel shows, and we don't cheat people out of their votes.