Wisconsin Same-Sex Couples Cross Border To Marry In Minnesota

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Some Wisconsinites crossed the border into Minnesota to get married Thursday: the first day same-sex couples could get legally married there.

Waiting outside a Wabasha County courtroom, Beth Cherne says she’s nervous, although you can’t tell because she’s glowing. “We were talking about [how] we don’t know why we’re nervous. We’ve lived together 17 years very happily, but there’s something really special about it. It means a lot to us, we’re really happy.”

Cherne and her partner, 7 Rivers LGBT Center President Cindy Killion, had a commitment ceremony 15 years ago, but Killion wanted to get married in Minnesota the first day they could.

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The moment’s arrived, and the couple and their guests file into the courtroom. During the ten minute ceremony, the two face each other holding hands, giggle, and exchange vows and rings. “Now therefore, by the power and authority vested in me by the state of Minnesota, I declare that you are married. Please share your happiness now and forever. (cheers)”

After the ceremony, Killion is all smiles, with her arm around Cherne. She reflects on the vows the two exchanged. “Having been together 17 years, I was kind of checking [things] off: been there, done that. Through 17 years, we’ve been through a lot of the things she mentioned. Happiness, tragedy, and sorrow, and everything else.”

As a result, they already know they can make it through those times.

The couple is currently trying to sell their house in Fountain City. Originally, they wanted to move to La Crosse. Now that Minnesota allows same-sex marriage, they’re looking for homes there: in the state that legally recognizes their marriage.