David and Rob of Boston had a commitment ceremony at the Arlington Street
Church in October, 2000 that prompted the couple to begin seeking the right
to have their union recognized in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
They
were struck by how many of their business associates, friends and family
assumed that the occasion bestowed the same rights and benefits that each
of them had received on their own wedding days.
David, 60, who grew up in Roslindale, was the first member of his
family to go to college.
David saw his parents' employment opportunities
severely limited because of their race, and their experiences and
sacrifices have inspired his strong family ties, as well as his volunteer
work in the community.
A past president of the Greater Boston Business Council, an
organization of professional gays and lesbians, David works as Vice
President at Spaulding & Slye Colliers International.
Rob, 55, is
a dentist and director of disease management at Delta Dental Plan of
Massachusetts.
Both men have strong relationships with their parents, children and, in
David's case, his six grandchildren.
One of Rob's sons lived
with the couple while attending a local college, and David's father and two
of his three children live in the Boston area.
Rob and David feel a sense of urgency in securing the significant tax and
other protections awarded to married couples as they begin facing issues of
retirement and estate planning.
In addition, Rob has been rushed to the
emergency room four times over the last five years. He has also had tow surgeries over the
last two years, including a total hip replacement. Each time, they've
been uncertain about David's ability to be by Rob's side and ensure that he
receives appropriate care.
While they have taken the legal steps available to them to secure
protections such as health care proxies, wills, and powers of attorney,
they continue to lack many other protections as well as the long-term
security and peace of mind afforded through marriage.
With Rob's medical
emergencies and indications that his future health may be compromised,
these questions and concerns have been heightened for the couple.
David and Rob applied for a marriage license, obtained a waiver, and were married on May 17th
at the Arlington Street Church. They were joined by family and friends.
