Patrick Bova (left) and James Darby(right) want to get married because they have been together for 50 years.
The Chicago-based couple met on the street and feel in love just over 50 years ago in July 1963.
And now Patrick Bova, 75, and James Darby, 81, said they want to get married in the state where they live.
“I am a veteran,” said Darby. “I served my country. I should have the same rights as anyone else in this country, including the right to get married in my home city.”
Darby, originally from Chicago, said his name is on the Illinois lawsuit that has been filed by 25 same-sex couples from across the state of Illinois, seeking the freedom to marry. It’s been brought by Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union.
On Tuesday, Cook County Circuit Judge Sophia Hall scheduled briefings and told lawyers what they needed to do, so she can set a day to make a decision.
The court proceedings follow the battle between groups that support and oppose same-sex marriages in the state of Illinois. Hall allowed the continuation of the lawsuit against the ban on same-sex marriages in Illinois.
“This is a fantastic day for the 25 couples who are involved in this lawsuit and for all gay and lesbian couples in the state of Illinois,” said Camilla Taylor, a Lambda Legal attorney. “The court has allowed us to keep up with demand.”
The number of same-sex households increased more than 40 percent last year in Illinois, according to the United States Census Bureau.
Hall approved many of the claims made in the application, questioning the constitutionality of the Illinois Marriage Law that discriminates based on sexual orientation. She also questioned the clause claiming marriage is a fundamental right, Taylor said.
On the other hand, opponents reacted with optimism that this may never happen.
“In our view, it is a decision that should have been made in the federal assembly,” said Cook County Clerk David Orr in a press conference. “We believe in the principles of preserving the marriage only between a man and a woman; this with the interest that the procreation of children is under a legal and socially stable environment for children.”
Moreover, Orr said he doesn’t support marriage between same-sex couples and declared that the legislature would take action.
But Bova said he was optimistic about the cause.
“We want to get married, we want the same rights and responsibilities,” Bova said. “We can say to people, we are in a civil union, [instead of going] to Iowa, Minneapolis and satisfy that mayor. We want to get married in Illinois, in our home state.”
The Lamba Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union lawyers don’t expect a decision until January.