Local man eagerly awaits Supreme Court decisions on same-sex cases

“It was a totally different thing. It was emotionally amazing,” gay rights activist Ron Wallen said.

Ron remembers his wedding day to his late husband, Tom. The pair exchanged vows in 2008 before Proposition 8.

“We thought, ‘Okay, lets do this thing.’ And we both blubbered. It was ridiculous! After 55 years. ‘What are you being so emotional about?’ But we were,” Wallen said.

Three years later, Tom died. Now, as the Supreme Court decides the future of the Defense of Marriage Act, Wallen hopes his marriage will once again get recognized legally.

“It’s what our country should be. Our country should not be excluding people,” Wallen said.

Ron believes he’s entitled to his husband’s higher social security benefits. He applied, knowing he’d get turned down.

“I wanted to do it anyway. I wanted to make a statement,” Wallen said.

Now, he says good thing he applied.

“I’m almost sure DOMA will be struck down as unconstitutional. That the United States cannot take away the rights of people who have the same legal status as other people do,” Wallen said.

For himself, for Tom’s memory, he won’t give up the fight until that happens.