November 12, 2008

Same-Sex Couples Begin Marrying in Connecticut

More than four years after filing the marriage equality lawsuit, Kerrigan & Mock v. Department of Public Health, GLAD Attorney Ben Klein stood in New Haven Superior Court as Judge Jonathan Silbert entered final judgment - a victory - in the case.

And with that, it became official - today, November 12, 2008, same-sex couples started to get marriage licenses and get married in the Constitution State.

In the courtroom also were the eight plaintiff couples who started the journey in August 2004 - Beth Kerrigan and Jody Mock, Suzanne and Geraldine Artis with their three sons, Jeffrey Busch and Stephen Davis, Barbara and Robin Levine-Ritterman, John Anderson and Garrett Stack, Janet Peck and Carol Conklin, J.E. Martin and Denise Howard, and Damaris Navarro and Gloria Searson.  Many became teary-eyed as the judgment was entered.

After the court proceedings, three of the couples - the Levine-Rittermans, Ms. Searson and Ms. Navarro, and Ms. Kerrigan and Ms. Mock - proceeded to their town halls to apply for marriage licenses.  All eight couples are making plans to get married within the next year.

News Coverage
GLAD: Press Release
New York Times: Gay Marriages Begin in Connecticut
Hartford Courant Photo Gallery: Same-Sex Marriage Ruling and Ceremonies
Hartford Courant: Same-Sex Couples in Connecticut Tie the Knot, Legally
New England Cable News: Inside the Courtroom (video)
WFSB: Gay Marriage Passes Final Hurdle (video)
MSNBC: Connecticut Allows Gay Marriage (video)

Additional information on the case and the historic decision is available here

Couples considering marriage are urged to consult GLAD’s publication How to Get Married in Connecticut, or to contact our Legal InfoLine with specific questions.