PHOTOS: Twitter and SunTimes
Lakeesha Harris and Janean Watkins (R) camped overnight to become the first in line to get civil union licenses at the Cook County Clerk's office in Chicago.
The Chicago couple has been together for 10 years. The couple have six children and a home but always have "been ostracized and relegated to the bottom rung of society," the 36-year-old Harris told the Sun-Times. "I feel like this is some sort of justice for us, for our family. I’m so grateful. I’m thankful."
"It's historic," Watkins told the Tribune. "We wanted to be first. We wanted to make a statement. For us, for our kids. It really means something."
The perk of being first in line means that the county will waive the $35 license fee. The couple's six children will all be in attendance at a formal ceremony tomorrow.
Congratulations! Watch the histoic moment AFTER THE JUMP
How beautiful to see this in Illinois. Unfortunately the South, as usual, lags behind in civil rights.
And no shade to our lesbian sisters, but whats more telling is the fact that women, gay and str8, are continuing to lead the way in civil rights. I looked for footage online of black/latino men to be in line looking to marry their partners and there weren't any. :(
Congrats to Lakeesha and Janean!
Well
Posted by: Rodney B | 01 June 2011 at 14:06
just a smile from me :-)
congrats to them. i wish them well
Posted by: fff | 01 June 2011 at 14:35
Thanks for posting video Rod. I know these women and they are wonderful...so happy for them. Congrats Lakeesha and Janean!
Posted by: Otis | 01 June 2011 at 14:42
Congratulations to them and thanks for the smile...
Posted by: DW Jazzlover | 01 June 2011 at 14:59
"Awwwwww......!!!!!" is all I can say.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 01 June 2011 at 15:03
Beautiful!!!
Posted by: MW09 | 01 June 2011 at 19:24