Waterford Couple Elated Over Court's Decision to Overturn DOMA

In a major victory for gay rights activists the U.S. Supreme Court today, June 26, has struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

As gay rights advocates rallied outside, the court this morning ruled 5-4 against the federal law in what experts are saying is a broad ruling that could doom state laws banning gay marriages.

"We are delighted," said Waterford resident Joanne Pedersen, who married Ann Meitzen on December 22, 2008, on the 10th anniversary of their first date.

The couple, who had already celebrated their love with a commitment ceremony in 2004 and a civil union in 2007, was the first to apply for a marriage license in Waterford when same-sex marriages were legalized in Connecticut.

The Court's much-anticipated ruling means the federal government must recognize gay marriages in the 12 states in the U.S. that have legalized gay marriages, including in Connecticut. 

Pedersen, a retired civilian employee of the U.S. Navy, had also joined a lawsuit challenging the Defense of Marriage Act after Meitzen was denied benefits under her Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The lower courts that heard her case also ruled against DOMA.

Pedersen had been prepared for future challenges to those rulings, which could have brought her case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Now the Court has ruled in U.S. vs. Windsor case, which dealt with the same issues of federal benefits for same-sex spouses, she won't have to. 

"Her issue was the same rights and benefits," said Pedersen. "We all win because she won."

What It Means On The Homefront

The Court ruling means Pedersen and Meitzen should now be eligible to receive the more than 1,000 benefits that are automatically conferred to spouses. 

"For us, personally, it means Ann gets to go on my health insurance. She spends about $800 a month on health insurance with copays," said Pedersen.

That amounts to 58 percent of Meitzen's income from social security, Pedersen said, but if Meitzen were covered under Pedersen's health insurance as any other spouse would be, she estimates they'd save up to $600 a month.  

It's not just a matter of money for the Waterford couple, however. The benefits of being legally recognized at the federal level ensure that their health care proxies and hospital visitation rights will be respected, as will their wishes regarding wills and inheritance.   

"It's a very large relief," said Pedersen. "We had to go to an attorney and have health care proxies that would name each of us as health care proxies. Our wills were worded specifically because, although the state of Connecticut recognizes our marriage, we have three kids between us and they could step in and do things to hurt the other person if they wanted to. Hospitals did not have to recognize health care proxies if they didn’t want to. We know a case where they have not—and the family kicked out the partner."

"When we travel, we’ll still carry all our documents because we’ll be traveling through states where our marriage would not be recognized," said Pedersen. 

Attorney General George Jepsen issued the following statement the Court's decision:

"I applaud the Supreme Court for correctly concluding that the Defense of Marriage Act represents an unconstitutional deprivation of equal liberty. Discrimination based on sexual orientation has no place in our society or under our laws.

"Today’s ruling is a victory for legally married same-sex couples in Connecticut and in states across our country who, until now, have been unfairly denied recognition and protection under federal law. Moreover, today’s ruling is a victory for all citizens who value equal rights in our country.”

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman's statement on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling:    

"To violate the rights of a few is to violate the rights of all, and the Court’s ruling simply ensures that the liberties promised in our Constitution are shared by everyone.

"This is also a family issue. There are many thousands of children in Connecticut and the nation right now being raised by same-sex couples, and denying their parents equality would deny them equality, as well. 

"What is most important is that children are part of a loving, stable family, whether that is traditional, extended, single-parent, foster, adoptive or same-sex."

What's your take on the Court's ruling? Tell us in the comments.