RI Gay Divorce Tests State Law (Still)

Sheesh! Lesbian couple Margaret Chambers and Cassandra Ormiston’s divorce proceedings are taking longer than their marriage! And the process has been just as trying, especially for perpetually confused judges!

The story began back in 2004, when the Rhode Island-based duo took a trip to Massachusetts and tied the proverbial knot. But, as happens, things didn’t work out as planned, so the ladies filed for a divorce. Unfortunately, a state statute defines marriage as between a man and a woman and a family court denied their divorce.

Desperate to be single again, the gals appealed the ruling – and the case continues to test constitutional boundaries…

[The family court] said the state statute that created the family court recognized marriage as between a man and a woman.

But Superior Court Judge Patricia Hurst on Wednesday questioned whether that law is constitutional because it denies gay couples a right guaranteed to heterosexual Rhode Islanders.

Hurst also dismissed Chambers’ claim for a divorce, saying the Superior Court does not have jurisdiction over divorces.

And so it continues…