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Chicago Women Become First Same-Sex Couple to Marry in Illinois

By DNAinfo Staff on November 27, 2013 4:49pm

 Vernita Gray (left) and Pat Ewert were wed at their home Wednesday after getting an emergency marriage license.
Vernita Gray (left) and Pat Ewert were wed at their home Wednesday after getting an emergency marriage license.
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CHICAGO — Two Chicago women became the first same-sex couple legally married in Illinois Wednesday, a witness said.

A federal judge granted the couple, Vernita Gray and Pat Ewert, an emergency marriage license Monday because Gray has cancer that could keep her from living until June 1, when the state's gay marriage laws officially go into effect.

"Every day is crucial for same-sex couples like Vernita and Pat, who may not be able to and shouldn’t have to wait until next summer to get married," Camilla Taylor, marriage project director for the advocacy organization Lambda Legal, said in a statement.

"We’re thankful for the swift action by the court and the Cook County Clerk’s office to allow this to happen as soon as possible, and we’re beyond thrilled for Vernita and Pat, who are now able to say ‘We’re married,'" added Taylor, who attended the ceremony at the couple's Chicago home.