Nurses who challenged gay marriage laws finally tie the knot

April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse might not be household names, but they are instrumental in securing marriage equality in the state of Michigan and in the US. Today (August 22) they are finally getting their ‘happily ever after’ when they get hitched.

DeBoer and Rowse sued the state of Michigan in 2012 and challenged the ban on adoption by same-sex couples. The pair, both nurses, both had adopted children with special needs but could not jointly adopt each other’s kids because of the law. They later amended the lawsuit to challenge Michigan’s ban on same-sex marriage.

The couple won the case and in March 2014, judge Bernard A. Friedman overturned Michigan’s ban on gay marriage. Friedman’s decision was appealed but was later upheld.

The DeBoer v. Snyder case became one of a few that were consolidated to become Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case that saw the US Supreme Court rule in favour of legalising gay marriage throughout the country on June 26.

We’re happy to report that according to the Associated Press, DeBoer and Rowse are finally tying the knot today in Detroit. Friedman, the judge who overturned Michigan’s gay marriage ban, will officiate the wedding.

“It seems very right to have him be the one to perform” the ceremony, DeBoer said. Meanwhile, Friedman has expressed his excitement to meet the couple.

USA Today reported that a bunch of wedding vendors have donated almost $60,000 (£38,000) worth of services and items – the companies’ way of showing their support for DeBoer and Rowse and acknowledging their contribution to the LGBT community.