"If the Massachusetts Legislature crafts an appropriate amendment that provides for partnership and civil unions, then I would support it, and it would advance the goal of equal protection," Kerry told The Boston Globe.
It is very interesting how Kerry worded this statement. That Kerry believes this amendment would "advance the goal" of equal protection indicates 1) he knows that full equality is still a ways off, and 2) he believes that full equality is, ultimately, the goal.
I don't know if this makes Kerry more spineless and cynical (he knows it could be better) or more hopeful (he believes it should be better) than those who argue that marriage-bans and civil union rights "fulfill the goal" of equal protection.