Marriage isn't a reality yet for most same-sex couples in Illinois. But
Vernita Gray and Pat Ewert were granted an emergency marriage license by a federal court earlier this week due to Ms. Gray's ongoing struggles with terminal cancer.
The two women were wed in a private wedding ceremony at their home earlier today, making them the first Illinois same-sex couple to get legally married within that state!:
“Every day is crucial for same-sex couples like Vernita and Pat, who may not be able to and shouldn’t have to wait until next summer to get married,” said Camilla Taylor, Marriage Project Director for Lambda Legal. “We’re thankful for the swift action by the court and the Cook County Clerk’s office to allow this to happen as soon as possible, and we’re beyond thrilled for Vernita and Pat, who are now able to say ‘We’re married.’”
Ms. Gray was first diagnosed with cancer in 1996. Despite years of treatment and therapy, the cancer now imminently threatens her life. As the couple struggles through this difficult time together, marriage allows the couple to celebrate their commitment to each other but also provide protection for Ms. Ewert.
“It’s a great day for Vernita and Pat, and an historic day for Illinois, for a deserving and loving couple to have the chance to be married on an expedited basis,” added John Knight, LGBT Project Director at the ACLU of Illinois. “Their love and commitment to each other has been demonstrated over time, and we’re thrilled they didn’t have to wait.”
The rest of Illinois' same-sex couples will be eligible for marriage effective June 1, 2014.
