Community Corner

Avon Couple Active in Fight Against DOMA Reacts to Ruling

The Supreme Court's decision was not a complete surprise, they say, but a victory nonetheless.

James "Flint" Gehre and Brad Kleinerman of Avon weren't surprised by the Supreme Court ruling Wednesday that struck down the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as between a man and woman. But they were thrilled that it happened.

"This means a lot to our family," Gehre said by phone on Wednesday afternoon.

The couple, who have been together for 22 years and married since 2009, have three children, ages 22, 21 and 12. The ruling is significant to their children, Gehre said.

"The Supreme Court of the United States has come out and said their family is just as respected as any other family," he said.

Gehre pointed out that the decision is not a total victory, since the federal government is not compelling the 38 states that don't recognize gay marriage to do so. "There's still a lot to be done," he said.

But one of the most important aspects of the ruling is that married gay couples will no longer have to pay federal income tax as single people. Gehre said the couple has paid a total of $10,000 extra in federal taxes over the last two years.

Kleinerman agreed that the ruling is a step in the right direction for gay and lesbian couples.

"We were very pleased with the outcome," he said.

Gehre and Kleinerman were plaintiffs in a national lawsuit filed by GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders) in 2010, protesting DOMA. For more information on the couple's long involvement in the fight against DOMA, see this story.


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