MARY BISHOP & SHARON BALDWIN, GAY PHILLIPS & SUE BARTON

On Nov. 3, 2004, Oklahoma voters approved a state constitutional amendment limiting marriage in the state to opposite-gender couples. On Nov. 4, two Tulsa-area lesbian couples — Mary Bishop & Sharon Baldwin and Sue Barton & Gay Phillips — sued the state and federal governments for the right to marry and for recognition of the marriages of same-gender couples.

In the years since then, Sue and Gay have gotten married in both Canada and California. Together 29 years, they are now fighting for the right to have their marriage recognized by the state of Oklahoma. Mary and Sharon, who have been together 17 years, are still fighting for the right to marry in Oklahoma.

On January 14th, 2014 a U.S. Senior District Judge ruled that Oklahoma’s ban on same-sex marriage violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. While this ruling was stayed immediately pending appeal, it is exciting forward progress that has been nine years in the making.

OKC Pride is excited to announce that these two very special couples will be joining us for our 2014 Pride Weekend festivities, and have agreed to serve as the Grand Marshals for the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 22nd!

This year promises more exciting Marriage Equality developments, and we want to honor these four women for the work they have done already, as well as the work that is still ahead for them in the appeals process. Thank you, ladies, and welcome to Oklahoma City!