Local reactions range from elation to dismay over marriage ruling

Friday morning, sunny and caffeinated, Diane Wood smiled while correcting herself a second time.

She had said "partner" again.

Since coming out at 19 nearly two decades ago, she's grown used to the vernacular -- the politically correct script in which gay couples aren't spouses, they're partners. Because they're not married. Because they're different.

But that changed Friday morning, when the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the right of same-sex couples to marry, rendering state bans on gay marriage unconstitutional.

And in doing so, it allowed the retirement of that separate-but-equal buzzword "partner."

"I'm not going to use the word 'partner' here," she said with a grin. "It's just spouse now."

She talked about the quantifiable benefits of marriage that gay couples can, if they choose, share. Things such as insurance and Social Security benefits and visitation rights in a hospital. But it also means more than that.

"It [affects] so many different levels of relationships. Who you choose to love should never be at issue," she said. "I'm not, you know, a spokesperson for the gay community. But from my perspective, it validates those relationships."

She said support for marriage rights has been building as attitudes about homosexuality in general have become more welcoming, especially during the last decade. At Southeast Missouri State University, where Wood is a biology professor, a Gay/Straight Alliance organization has been formed, as well as an LGBT resource center, and university policy recently added nondiscrimination clauses. She worked to implement these changes alongside student Nick Maddock, who watched the historic case play out from inside the Supreme Court.

After graduating last year, Maddock moved to Washington, D.C., for work and camped in front of the Supreme Court for days to be one of the 50 people allowed to watch oral arguments.

"The feeling was just absolutely astounding. I'm still, even at this moment hours later, I'm still at a loss for words," he said Friday afternoon during a phone interview. "It's just something that four or five years ago, when I was coming out of the closet and struggling with these issues myself, I would have never have thought I would have seen it in my lifetime. To not only witness, it but to have been a part of it, has just been remarkable."

Maddock explained he was compelled to work for LGBT issues by the effect revealing his sexuality had on his own life.

"[When] I came out, it was one of the best decisions of my life, and ever since, my life has really turned around and become a thousand times better for accepting who I am ... really, owning who I am," he said. "I want everybody to share that same feeling -- to not be scared, to not be judged any differently based on who they are."

He says he pushed hard for nondiscrimination policy at the university so students could thrive without the anxiety that comes from uncertainty in one's environment.

"I was fearful, I was scared, I saw a world that didn't accept LGBT individuals," he said. "So my driving passion ... is to make sure nobody experiences what I experienced."

Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia already had adopted laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in matters such as employment, housing and public accommodations. Most, though not all, protect against discrimination based on gender identity, as well, but Missouri is not one of those states.

Instead, it's one of 14 states in which gay couples could not marry. Article 1, Section 33, of the Missouri Constitution states: "That to be valid and recognized in this state, a marriage shall exist only between a man and a woman."

As it pertains to Missourians, this is the clause nullified by the Supreme Court's decision Friday. Although federal law trumps state law, the contrary directives are proving problematic.

Same-sex couples obtained marriage licenses in places such as Springfield and St. Louis on Friday. But when several same-sex couples called the Cape Girardeau County Records Office to inquire about the same, they were denied.

"As of today, we are not issuing [marriage licenses to same-sex couples]," said Cape Girardeau County Recorder of Deeds Drew Blattner. "Supreme Court rulings are not effective immediately. They take effect 25 days after [the ruling] unless there are stipulations making it immediate, which in this case, there were not."

He said he understands emotions are running high on both sides of this issue. But that at this time, Blattner said he would rather err on the side of caution and due process.

"This has become the most hectic day of the year out here," he said Friday. "I want to do everything exactly right."

Because Missouri law states unequivocally that gay marriage is not permitted, he's worried about violating it before the Obergefell v. Hodges decision has taken effect unequivocally. He said doing so could even leave his office vulnerable to litigation.

"I haven't had time to talk to any legal council," he said, but added the plan would be to issue licenses to same-sex couples after the 25-day period, "as long as nothing is appealed."

In a statement via email, Blattner said the recorder's office is working to comply with the law to the best of its ability.

"... We respect the judicial process, and today's decision from the U.S. Supreme Court. ... In accordance with the ruling, our office will be waiting until the final outcome before making any policy changes."

The relief and sense of accomplishment felt by marriage-equality supporters is far from universal. The Rev. Roger Abernathy sees the Supreme Court ruling as a step in the wrong direction.

"I'm shocked at this decision. I thought the Supreme Court's job was to interpret the law, not make moral judgements themselves," he said, likening the decision to that of Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion. "This could destroy the foundations of marriage."

Walking around Arena Park, opinions varied. Cape Girardeau resident Adam Thurman shook his head when asked what he thought of the decision.

"I really don't have anything to say about that," he said. "Other than Jesus brought up homosexuality as a sin, so ..."

Across the park, Jordan Caruso shrugged.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with it," he said. "It's only a matter of time. The world's steadily becoming a more liberal place."

Austin Huffman, playing with 8-year-old Gage Nigro through Big Brothers Big Sisters, endorsed the news.

"Justice has been served, I feel," he said before trailing off in thought. "There are just so many words that come to mind."

As he pondered, his "little brother" Gage piped up.

"Respect."

"What do you mean by that, Gage?" Huffman asked.

"I don't know," he blushed. "You'll get respect back if you respect somebody."

tgraef@semissourian.com

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