CBS Minnesota: Couple Considering Lawsuit Against Blue Earth County To Legalize Marriage
A Minnesota couple is considering filing a federal lawsuit against a Minnesota county for its failure to recognize their marriage as legal.
Michael McConnell and Jack Baker are believed to be the first gay couple in the nation to have gotten a marriage license. They got the license in 1971 in Blue Earth County after Hennepin County turned them down and Jack legally changed his name to the gender neutral Pat.
Video from September of 1971 shows their Minneapolis wedding.
At stake is not just the legality of their marriage, but their right to collect spousal social security and disability benefits.
“We are still fighting we may end up in federal court,” Baker said.
By: Esme Murphy
Story Date: 2016-01-12T05:51:00+00:00