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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFla. residents await Miami judge's decision on gay marriage ban
LEE COUNTY, FL - A judge in Miami could decide the fate of gay marriage for the entire state.
In between the pages of a photo album is the story of a love that has lasted almost two decades.
"He's just the joy of my life," said Cape Coral resident Jimmy Gillen. "He really is. Without him, I'd be nothing."
It's a love the couple says gets stronger everyday.
"He's probably one of the most caring, considerate persons I've ever known," said Bob Hunter.
It's a love so strong, Bob Hunter and Jimmy Gillen couldn't wait any longer to tie the knot. Two years ago, they jetted of to New York where gay marriage is legal.
"Florida wasn't even mentioned about even going to court yet," explained Gillen. "You lost patience and you wanted to go somewhere where you knew you could get married."
But pretty soon, gay couples may not have to leave the state to make it legal.
"There are people who are interested and hopeful it will be changed," said Linda Doggett, Lee County's Clerk of Courts.
Doggetts says whatever the judge decides, her office will be ready.
http://www.nbc-2.com/story/25938476/fla-residents-await-miami-judges-decision-on-gay-marriage-ban#.U7YcEWdOU5s
What makes this story even sweeter is Bob & jimmy are friends of mine and they are a very sweet couple. They are helping the rest of us in Florida.
We are so close to making this a reality.
sheshe2
(83,954 posts)Equal Justice ...Love is Love.
What a sweet thread William.
William769
(55,148 posts)Last edited Fri Jul 4, 2014, 12:06 AM - Edit history (1)
But they may be able to sneak it in under the wire & then await the final outcome.
I just wished my beloved David was here to see this.
ETA: Another couple I know Dan & Monte is who I was referring to about getting married under the wire. We have a very close knot of friends here waiting for the chance at marriage.
sheshe2
(83,954 posts)So, yes, I think he is seeing this.
joshcryer
(62,277 posts)Hopefully you have a sane and sensible judge deciding this case.
William769
(55,148 posts)Talk about giving us a true 4th of July gift.
theHandpuppet
(19,964 posts)... doesn't deserve to be worshipped. Bigotry and hate are the inventions of man.
I hope the courts will come through for your friends and all LGBTs in Florida!
William769
(55,148 posts)Cha
(297,804 posts)Your friends who are already married are thoughtful giving beings. From your link..
"It would be business as usual for Hunter and Gillen as well. The ruling won't have a direct impact on them since they are already married. But now, they are hoping they can share the wealth.
"I just hope and pray that those that get married in the future have as happy and as content of a life as Jimmy and I have," said Hunter."
This is from an article on the Judge, Sarah Zabel..
snip//
"Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel told a courtroom packed with hundreds of advocates of same-sex marriage and supporters of traditional marriage that she would take the lawyers arguments under advisement, but did not say when she would issue a ruling. Previous decisions in the case have taken weeks to be announced.
Its fitting, I think, that were here arguing this very, very significant issue on the 50th anniversary of the civil rights bill that was enacted by Congress. Were also two days from the birthday of our country, a country that was founded on the concept of liberty, freedom and equality of all of our citizens, attorney Jeffrey Michael Cohen told Zabel. That is all that we seek today.
Read more here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2014/07/awaiting-decision-six-same-sex-couples-ask-miami-dade-judge-to-let-them-marry-now.html#storylink=cpy
William769
(55,148 posts)Cha
(297,804 posts)comes down on the side of Equal Rights and Love. And, we don't care what Pam Bondi has to say about it. She seems like a real vacant head.
RKP5637
(67,112 posts)inequity in this country.
William769
(55,148 posts)AnotherDreamWeaver
(2,852 posts)Just because we could...
Have enjoyed every moment of it. It sure changed my perspective in our relationship.
William769
(55,148 posts)AnotherDreamWeaver
(2,852 posts)I did read almost all of the Carlos Castanada books.... lets see how it goes.
shenmue
(38,506 posts)I want to see this happen!