Michael and I met on March 21st, 2004. We had our 'Holy Union' at the MCC of Paducah on October 9th, 2005. We both come from very loving and supportive families. My husband, Michael, has been the plant manager of a local company, here in Murray, KY, for fourteen years, now. He is currently finishing his M.B.A., so that he can teach at the local university. I, Stephen, have a degree in nursing and a bachelor degree in business management. I currently own my own business, and I have plans to further my education in the nursing field. Michael and I are a very happy family.

We have many friends that are both straight and gay, that are supportive of our relationship. We are blessed to have found one another and we truly believe that our legal marriage in Iowa should be recognized in the state we currently live in. Love is between two people, not based on gender. We are going to continue to fight for our rights, in an effort to further the rights of future generations.

Legalizing gender-neutral marriage, in Kentucky, will allow same sex married couples to be recognized, to the full extent of the law. This action will bring the opportunity of the GLBTQ community to enjoy the same benefits that heterosexual couples have. By lifting the ban on same sex marriage, we are instilling values, and revealing morals, which create equality for all.   

It is imperative to secure the rights of each individual, including the right to marry whomever we choose, and giving legal voice to same sex spouses. Under current law, these spouses are not recognized, in a number of ways. Health care benefits, retirement, state tax filing, adoptions, health care decisions, and many more infringements, are imposed under the current law. It is time we take a stand on individual rights, regardless of individual circumstance, and overturn the ban on same sex marriage, in the state of Kentucky. 

Eighteen states have now taken the steps to ensure that the GLBTQ community has the same rights, which are well overdue. It is time that Kentucky recognizes what is legally and morally right, in this fight for equality. It is time for Church and State to be separated from all issues.