James Theberge and Michael Thorne

Together 22 years, James Theberge (left), 47, and Michael Thorne (left), 52, and their three-year-old son Nathaniel, live in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  While Maine is their new home, both spent most of their years in Massachusetts:  Jim was born and raised in Massachusetts, completing both his education and medical residency here, while Mike moved to Boston from Maine in his late twenties. The couple moved to Maine to raise their son Nate, who is named after Mike's father.  They want to get married because of the security, recognition and protection it offers their family. For example, when they decided that Mike would be a stay-at-home parent in Nate's early years, finding health insurance was difficult and expensive.   "We have been together for 21 years, and have lived every day of our lives together.  We have struggled through tough times together, and enjoyed the good times together.  We have bought homes together, and are presently raising our son together", says Mike. "We are married in every sense of the word, except our relationship is not legally recognized." Both note that while the Commonwealth granted them joint parent adoption, clearly recognizing them as suitable parents, by denying them the right to marry, Massachusetts is now taking the position that they are no longer a family deserving of support and protection. They enjoy the full support of their families which include a very proud grandmother, uncles, aunts and cousins for Nate.  In fact, Mike's brother, Jerry, is Nate's godfather, while James' sister, Francine, is Nate's godmother. After serving as an internist for Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates for more than 15 years, James practices internal medicine at Mercy Hospital in Maine.  Michael, a former bank executive, plans to pursue a graduate degree in the fall. James and Michael were denied the right to marry in Somerville, Massachusetts after the Attorney General's cease and desist order of May 21, 2004.

Photo Credit: Mainframe Photographics