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Lesbian Couple 'Jubilant' Over Court Ruling

Gloria Bailey, Linda Davies Plan June Wedding

POSTED: 4:56 pm EST November 18, 2003
UPDATED: 6:45 pm EST November 18, 2003

With Tuesday's court ruling allowing gay marriages in the Bay State, a couple received the news they had wished for over 30 years.

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NewsCenter 5's Natalie Jacobson reported that Linda Davies and Gloria Bailey, both social workers, met on the job and have been a couple for 32 years.

"When I first met Gloria she was so warm and caring and I thought I wanted to get to know her better," said Linda Davies.

First it was ping-pong, then golf and tennis, and in time, they became a couple. But it has not always been easy.

"It's been hard in some ways, but more than that we've had such love and support from family and friends and our church," said Gloria Bailey.

During the over-three decades they've shared, they never really thought they could be married. The couple called GLAD, the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, when they heard about the court challenge and wanted to join in.

Tuesday's ruling has been staggering.

"Absolutely jubilant -- most important day in our lives," said Bailey.

"We will feel married come June in our hearts, but (until now) haven't felt married in terms of wanting to protect each other like we want to do," said Davies.

Bailey wouldn't let Davies discuss marriage until it was legally possible.

"When we first heard the ruling driving up, we were screaming and delirious and joyful and burst into tears. I told her to stop crying and asked her to marry me, and she said, I said, 'I will,'" said Davies.

The couple is planning a June wedding on Cape Cod using Davies's mother's ring. Both are certain they will not welcome any efforts by Gov. Mitt Romney or members of the Legislature to try to derail Tuesday's ruling or turn it into a civil union. But the couple does understand that some people are just not comfortable with same sex marriages.

"If they got to know us and know our stories, I think they would know why this is so important and we want to strengthen our family bonds," said Bailey.


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