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Iconic Mass. Gay Couple Splits

Goodridge suit legalized same-sex marriage in state

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Feb 3, 2009 1:18 PM CST

(Newser) – A lesbian activist couple well-respected for leading Massachusetts' gay marriage charge has filed for divorce, the Boston Herald reports. Hillary and Julie Goodridge's landmark lawsuit legalized same-sex marriage in the state six years ago. The couple married a year later—after nearly two decades together—and share custody of their 12-year-old daughter. "They had a great thing going," Hillary's mom says.

"Whenever there’s a cause that keeps people together, there’s a high rate of dissolution of the relationship once the cause is over," a divorce lawyer notes. "And what a surprise: Gay people are like everyone else."

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The Goodridges pose with other gay couples and supporters as they celebrate their first wedding anniversary in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)

The couple cross the street while leaving the church where they were married. They led the legal fight for same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)

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Every day, every meal, it had to have consumed their lives. Any perceived dissatisfaction with each other was swept aside because they were a symbol. - Gerald Nissenbaum, divorce attorney

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Iconic Mass. Gay Couple Splits