A Date With Destiny
Nearly three years ago, my wife Melba and I started on a road that would lead us to this day. During this period, we have seen one Administration go, and another come in. We have set our hopes not in these changes but on what it means to be American where fairness and equality are concerned. Understanding, that while the stewardship may change, America’s promise of equal treatment so intrinsic to the life of its citizens must remain a pledge for all. It is in search of this promise that we stand before this court today.
Today, we along with our co-plaintiffs in Gill et al vs. Office of Personnel Management et al will have our claims heard. And we will listen to our Attorney Mary Bonauto present the merits of our case. We will see opposing counsel do their best to present the merits of theirs. And we’ll stand before a U.S. Federal District Court and the presiding Judge Joseph L. Tauro for the first time in our lives; and trust that on this one Massachusetts morning, on this one day in Boston — the principles of justice and equality will prevail.
As we deposit our collective voices in this indelible conversation, seeking to stop the unequal treatment of our legal marriages, we will also be depositing our trust for a future without the inequity that brings us here today. We want to tell our federal government how it can do better; how it must do better. How, if there is a bank of commonwealth — my family and I have been depositors, along with thousands of other legally married couples of the same gender; and countless more.
Melba and I are here today on a trail that began long before we headed to this courthouse, on this personal date with destiny. We are here because as married women, we believe that our marriage is no one’s to dismiss; no one’s to denigrate; no ones to annul.
To come to this very personal conversation in such a public way is simply the ink in the well of a pen that must write. We are compelled by the well-being of our future; and humbled by the fact that we live and contribute to a country where such a day is possible. Inescapably beholden to an equitable tomorrow, we’ll be quietly counting the minutes to hear the outcome of today’s deliberations.