The media surrounds the first same-sex couple to recieve a marriage license in Dubuque.

DUBUQUE – Monday would be the day that Kentaindra Scarver and Veronica Spann would bring their eight year relationship full circle. The two women arrived at the Dubuque Courthouse early in the morning before appearing in open court to receive a waiver from Judge Monica Ackley around 10 a.m.

“We knew we were partners for life but to legally have it printed on paper; that’s what means so much to us,” said Scarver.
The Iowa Supreme Court ruling on April 3rd of this year paved the way for Kentaindra and Veronica, and hundreds of other same-sex couples across the state to obtain marriage licenses today. The two women were relieved to finally have the legal title of a married couple.

“For me it is the legal things that heterosexuals have like simple visits to the doctor for the kids. Those things mean the world to us,” said Spann.

After the emotional “I do’s” Magistrate John Nemmers said the words Scarver and Spann had waited ten years to hear, “I now pronounce you spouses for life.” As soon as the couple’s young nephew heard those words he exclaimed, “Boo-yah!” A phrase Scarver said she couldn’t of said better herself.

“It was like freedom,” explained Scarver. “Justice is served eight years later.”

The couple became the first same-sex marriage to take place in Dubuque County. After waking up at 4 a.m. the couple ended their day legally married.

The complete story can be read Wednesday evening on LCTV13′s website. To read more about the couple visit our partner publication the Lorian.

Morgan Finke can be reached at morgan.finke@loras.edu