2008 Woodie Awards
Struck down, but undeterred
Emily Groves
Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: News
|
In a 4-3 ruling, the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals, upheld a 34-year-old state law banning same-sex marriage. The decision reverses a Jan. 2006 Circuit Court ruling which found the law unconstitutional.
Kolesar, 29, who works as a broadcast engineer for Bonneville International Corporation, and Wojahn, 32, who works for University Legal Services as a disabilities rights lawyer, were two of the 19 plaintiffs in the case. They have been together for six years, and were united in a commitment ceremony in June 2005.
The couple was profiled in The Diamondback last year after the lower court ruling and agreed to answer questions now, after the decision was reversed.
The Diamondback: You've both been very involved with the effort to strike down the ban on same-sex marriage in Maryland. Can you describe the work you've put into this?
Patrick: Together with the other 8 couples and the widower in the lawsuit, we have been out ... telling our stories and serving as an example of the discrimination that same-sex couples face, due to the fact that we're strangers under the law. We face the uncertainty that comes with not having the legal ability to care for each other in times of need, as well as the stigma that comes with our relationship not being accorded the same recognition as is accorded straight couples. Over the past few years, we have been meeting with our state delegates and senators, and whoever else will listen, and telling our story.
The Diamondback: Was there ever a time when the process of being part of the case became too much for you?
Dave: The chaos that ensued when Channel 7, CNN and Prince George's cable television station all wanted to interview us on the same day.
Patrick: It's been a thrilling experience, and we've met some
wonderful people. The only time it was difficult was when we found out that we lost.
The Diamondback: What were your reactions to the Court of Appeals ruling?
Patrick: My heart sank. I was devastated and shocked by the judges' opinion and their complete lack of recognition of the discrimination and hardship that we face.
Dave: It figures that a bunch of judges in an ivory tower wouldn't recognize our problems.
Submit a letter to the editor or post a comment below.
Be the first to comment on this story