Who was the first gay couple to get married

The clerk, not realizing one of the individuals listed on the application was male, issued the license — though stopped short of officially recording it. Nearly five decades later — after a prolonged legal battle to get their union legally recognized — their wish was granted. The couple received a letter from the Social Security Administration on Feb.

The McConnells Jack took Michael's last name are now thought to be the longest-married, same-sex couple in the U. After first being denied a marriage license in Hennepin County, Minnesota, in Maythe couple figured out a loophole. With no proof of marriage, the McConnells explained, they could not collect Social Security spousal benefits, even after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in In September of last year, after a lengthy legal battle, a Minnesota district court judge ruled the marriage valid.

In the letter they received from Social Security Administration in February, they learned they were entitled to spousal benefits. But to the men, the victory is about much more. Same-sex marriage was later legalized — first in Minnesota inand two years later across the U.

Now that their marriage is legally recognized, the men said they are finally vindicated. Michael McConnell said they celebrated the way they always do. The McConnells, who met in graduate school at the University of Oklahoma in the late s, will celebrate 49 years of marriage in September.

First legal same-sex marriage performed in Massachusetts

Michael, a retired librarian, and Jack, a retired lawyer and engineer, said they were always proud of their relationship. The Minneapolis couple, both longtime LGBTQ activists, remain steadfastly optimistic about the trajectory of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer rights.

Julie Compton is a freelance journalist in Brooklyn, New York. Follow her julieallmighty. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Skip to Content. NBC News Logo. Search Search. Profile My News Sign Out. Sign In Create your free profile.

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