Lambda Legal Mourns the Death of Marilyn Maneely, Plaintiff in the New Jersey Marriage Lawsuit

(New York, September 7, 2005) — Statement by David Buckel, Marriage Project Director and lead attorney in Lambda Legal’s case seeking marriage for same-sex couples in New Jersey, on the death of plaintiff Marilyn Maneely, who died earlier today of ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

“Today is a very sad day; sad because illness took Marilyn too soon and sad because Diane and Marilyn didn’t get to see the day they could be married.

“As each day passes that couples in New Jersey and across the country can’t marry, more couples face hardships and loss without the benefits that come through marriage.

“In fact, just today Diane tried to carry out Marilyn’s wishes to donate her body for research—but the hospital refused to let Diane sign the form because they were not married. To have her relationship disrespected on the day Marilyn died is tragic and a painful reminder of the second class status of same-sex couples in New Jersey.”

Marilyn Maneely and Diane Marini joined six other plaintiff couples in the case Lewis v. Harris currently on appeal to the New Jersey Supreme Court—Lambda Legal’s next brief is due to the court in October. An oral argument date has not yet been set.

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Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.