WROI News

Respect for Marriage Act triggers hope and memories for first same-sex couple married in Fulton Co

Recognized as an important first step to some, the Respect for Marriage Act set a new standard for protection, after it was passed by the House December 8, making a legal foundation to keep same-sex marriage rights from being overruled in the future. For Shaun and Erik Henderson-Vigil, the first same-sex couple to be married in Fulton County, the bill feels like a small step closer to equality. 

 

The Respect for Marriage Act requires the federal government and states to honor all marriages, including same-sex and interracial couples. Congress's purpose is for the bill to be a safety net, in the event that the Court would ever overrule same-sex marriage precedents, something the Henderson-Vigil family has feared since the beginning. 

 

Growing up in the small town of Fulton, Erik was reluctant to even comeout as gay, hiding his feelings for most of his life. Living an unauthentic life, Erik remembers as a child doing everything he could to act 'normal.' From his voice, to hand gestures looking too feminine, Erik said trying to 'not be gay,' felt like being right handed and being forced to write with the left. 

 

 

When Erik finally decided to come out in his 40's, his worst fears were confirmed. Although he remained friends with his ex-wife, who accepted his decision, the community did not. From threats, to even having his job as a teacher being questioned on if it was appropriate, coming out felt like a nightmare for Erik. After meeting Shaun and eventually starting a relationship, when the couple moved in together, the small town of Fulton was filled with mixed emotions. Erik could feel the hate uptick even more, as family members and friends distanced themselves and encouraged others in the community to do so as well. 

 

Being called up to the front of his church during a Sunday morning service to have his membership revoked by their council felt like the cherry on top for Erik. Having his faith shaken, he still didn't lose his faith in his relationship and hope for having his happily ever after. Refusing to run away from the small town, the couple hoped to raise the bar for diversity and acceptance within the community. 

 

 

Never losing hope, in 2014 the couple jumped at the chance of being legally married, after a loop-hole in Indiana law was discovered in the system prior to same-sex marriage being federally legalized. Rushing to the Fulton County Courthouse, on June 26, 2014 Erik and Shaun became the same-sex couple to not only be married in Fulton County, but also the first for Northern Indiana. Shaun said Fulton County Circuit Judge Christopher Lee was a huge help in making sure their marriage documents were pushed through and accepted. 

 

Exactly one year to the date later, June 26, 2015 made a historic day when the Supreme Court voted to make same-sex marriage legal nationwide. 

 

 

Appreciative of those ones who do support them and their marriage, as the years can continue, the levels of uncertainty and security rise and fall like a rollercoaster. Always preparing themselves for the worst, last week's ruling protecting not only their marriage, but also the right for millions of other American families, put away one less fear in the Henderson-Vigil household. 

 

Not everyone in the area is happy about the decision, however. The bill being passed triggered the Cass County Republicans and their leader Dave Richey, Cass Co Republican Commitee Chairman, who sent a letter of censure against Senator Todd Young.

 

Censure's are used as a way to express disapproval of a senators actions without involving any formal action or expulsion from office. The group denounced the choice Young made, after he voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act. 

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