Gay marriage good for landlords

Q: I'd like to know if I'm risking a lawsuit if I refuse to rent an apartment to two men who say they are married. I have nothing against gays or lesbians, but I believe that marriage is not appropriate in this situation. These applicants tell me they are legally married (in Massachusetts), and that if I turn them away for this reason, I'm discriminating against married people. In my state, gay and lesbian couples are not allowed to marry, but I understand that in Massachusetts they can do so. What are my rights in this situation? --Anita B. A: For the moment, let's just focus on the law. It's true that in Massachusetts (and in California, by the way) gay and lesbian couples can marry. This gives them, in these states, all the rights of married heterosexual couples. If you lived in Massachusetts or California, you would be violating those states' fair housing laws if you refused to rent to these men on the grounds that they are married (or because they are gay), no matter...