Although the state of Minnesota legalized same-sex marriages in 2013, the Supreme Court's decision this morning to strike down same-sex marriage bans in all 50 states was celebrated locally.
"I did a happy dance," said Gale Julius, of Rochester, "We never thought this would be a possibility in our life time. My fiancee and I are planning a wedding. ... this is the best wedding gift I could ever imagine."
Eli Umpierre, of Rochester, woke to her cellphone ringing with the news. For her and her wife, Lisa, the decision means being able to retire to places where they never thought they could.
"For our community, it brings everyone into the fold of equality of the U.S," Umpierre said. "I'm so happy for everyone,"
Umpierre's out of town.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I'm gonna miss another great party this weekend," she joked. "It would be fantastic to be with the city of Rochester that worked so hard to fight for equal rights and opportunities for people in our community."
Even though Julius plans on getting married in the state, the landmark decision allows her and her partner, Tamara, to have their marriage recognized wherever they go.
"My love is no different than anyone else's love," she said. "Love became the law."
