Broward Same-Sex Couples Ready To Tie The Knot Tuesday
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – More than a dozen same sex couples filed into the Broward County courthouse Monday evening ready to celebrate a momentous occasion in their lives.
They grabbed a number, took a seat in the courthouse jury room and prepared to be wed. Arlene Louis and Roberta Marpet said they've waited 47 years to be legally married.
"It means recognition to the whole world," said Roberta Marpet. "It means equality. It means that we're no different from anybody else who's in love and wants to get married."
"Because of the history of this effort and this struggle we've been having this really feels like a day that's magnificent and unique," said Louis.
Tammy Lopez and her girlfriend of 7 years, Jessica Nielsen, arrived at the Broward County courthouse Monday evening hours before they were let in, in anticipation of the historic moment.
"It makes it recognizable to everybody," Nielsen said.
Lopez said she's thrilled but added that it's been painful being forced to wait to have their love recognized by the state of Florida.
"It's been hurtful and somebody stoping it, putting a hold, putting a stay, arguing it's not normal," she said. "It's been very hurtful. Hurtful for my kids."
Dan Lawson and Chris Rumbold have waited 17-years to tie the knot.
"It's exciting to do this, finally," said Lawson.
They planned to be among the first couples in line at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning to apply for a marriage license as the gay-marriage ban is lifted.
"We wanted to make sure our paperwork is in order," added Rumbold.
Preparations are already underway in the jury pool room where applicants will assemble at 10 pm. Monday night.
"We still have issues in Northern Florida, but it is a day of celebration," said Michael Rajner, an activist.
Clerk of Court Howard Forman will perform a group wedding at 3 a.m.
"I believe in equality and I think the public has come around on this issue in the last six or seven years," said Forman.
Lawson and Rumbold said once they have their license in hand, they will start planning their wedding.
"We've thought about it a long time, just don't want to get married in the summer," said Lawson.
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