The new year has brought momentous change to the fight for gay rights. On January 5, 2015, gay and lesbian couples won the right to marry in Florida. Back in July, a Miami judge ruled the ban on gay marriage was discriminatory. However, that ruling was legally stayed along for opposition to appeal the judge’s decision. When no opposition came, the stay was lifted on Monday, leading the way for gay couples to marry. The right to marry is also in effect by the ruling of Federal Judge Hinkle in Tallahassee. The state and federal courts in Florida have now both solidified that gay marriage is legal in the state. The previous ban has been stated to be “in contravention of the rights insured by the United States Constitution and is thus unenforceable”. It’s about time that the Florida legal system has caught up with the 21st century.
“It’s been a very emotional year for all of us, and we can’t wait to get married — in about an hour, I hope,” said Catherina Pareto, of Coconut Grove, as she held on to her partner of 14 years, Karla Arguello. They wore cream-colored dresses picked out for the occasion.
It took a little longer, but Pareto and Arguello became the first same-sex couple married in Florida, wed in a swift ceremony surrounded by television crews and officiated by the same judge who ruled in their favor.
Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel also married another plaintiff couple, Jeff and Todd Delmay.
Twelve years ago, while on vacation in Hawaii, the Delmays — then Jeff Delsol and Todd May — bought $10 silver wedding bands they have worn on their right hands every since. On Monday, they switched the rings to their left hands once their union was legal.
“We have been reserving that spot for when it became official,” Todd Delmay said as he held his husband’s hand. “This means so much to us.”
Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article5439081.html
