Windows on Our Community

Photo: Marilyn Humphries The Goodridges Apply for Their Marriage License City Hall, Boston, MA May 17, 2004 Julie and Hillary Goodridge, the lead plaintiffs in the historic same-sex marriage case, Goodridge vs. The Department of Public Health, and their daughter Annie look on as Boston Registrar Judith McCarthy completes the forms for their marriage license. The Goodridges were the first same-sex couple to receive a license from the city of Boston. Mary Bonauto, lead attorney in the case, and Mayor Thomas Menino witness the moment. On May 17th, ninety-nine gay and lesbian couples applied for licenses at Boston City Hall and were greeted by Mayor Menino and offered wedding cake. Over all, more than one thousand gay and lesbian couples across the state applied for licenses to marry on the first day of legalized same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. “It was wonderful to be a part of this triumphant moment.”