For nearly five years, Chris Bannochie and David Key have waited to receive the same federal benefits other married couples get. The waiting paid off Wednesday when the U.S. Supreme Court declared the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional.
Augusta residents David Key and Chris Bannochie were married in California on Oct. 16, 2008.
“It’s a huge victory,” Bannochie said. “Just total excitement.”
Bannochie and Key, of Augusta, were legally married Oct. 16, 2008 in San Francisco, Calif., during the five months when same-sex marriages were allowed in the state.
“We can file our taxes together. He’s eligible for my pension and Social Security benefits if something was to happen to me,” Bannochie said.
Gay men and lesbians across the Augusta area celebrated the ruling Wednesday but said more states need to recognize same-sex marriages. Georgia has a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriages.
“It is a win but it’s a small step in achieving this nationwide,” said Isaac Kelly, the past president of Augusta Pride, Inc.
via Augusta area gays, lesbians celebrate ruling on marriage | The Augusta Chronicle.
Comments ( 0 )