Same-sex couple from Salt Lake plan to marry in California
Todd Bennett, 48, and Ron Hunt, 55, are among couples lining up to tie the knot in California as the political battle brews there over same-sex marriage.
A recent California Supreme Court ruling allowing gay couples to wed could be overruled in November, when voters decide whether to constitutionally bar same-sex marriage. And leaders in the LDS Church recently issued a statement encouraging its members to support the California marriage amendment.
But, Bennett and Hunt say politics and lawsuits were the last thing on their minds when they made plans for a small civil ceremony in September. For them, marriage is simply about love and commitment.
And, even if it's temporary, the California ruling has created an opportunity for which they've waited years.
"We're not trying to thumb our nose," Bennett said. "This is about us wanting to get married."
The couple has been together for just over 13 years. During that time they have comforted each other through surgeries, job changes and unemployment. It was Bennett who was by Hunt's side during three neck operations.
Still, their marriage license will be largely symbolic when they return home to Utah, where voters have constitutionally barred same-sex marriage and domestic unions.
"The state of Utah has been very clear on whether or not to recognize same-sex marriage. The answer is no," said Bill Duncan, director of the Marriage Law Foundation, which supports traditional marriage.
While a federal court challenge is possible, Duncan said, it would likely take "changes to the U.S. Supreme Court" for a successful resolution there.
Duncan said California marriages may be more significant for couples from other states, such as New York, where there's no constitutional bar on same-sex marriages and it has yet to be seen exactly how they'll be treated.
For Bennett and Hunt, the idea of having a marriage license is enough for now. They agree with Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake, who has also said he is considering a trip to California to marry his partner. Still, McCoy has encouraged gay spouses not to sue Utah, saying on the Senate Democrat blog that "Utah courts are not likely to lead out on marriage equality for Utah."
The couple also isn't too concerned about a recent LDS Church statement that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God," and urging members to "do all you can to support the proposed (California) constitutional amendment."
Bennett and Hunt seemed to agree, however, the statement is indicative of the need for the separation of church and state.
Recent comments
Its funny isn't it that you don't see Ron and Todd railing angrily…
Matt from Australia | Sept. 12, 2008 at 1:37 a.m.
Yes, it is time for you to move. Utah is lovely I hear, and California…
To LDS in SF | July 3, 2008 at 12:19 a.m.
Jerry, Our Bill of Rights was written without reference to sexual…
Contrarian | July 2, 2008 at 11:32 p.m.
