One of the plaintiffs in the case for marriage equality in New Mexico passed away from cancer on Friday.
LGBTQ Nation reports:
Jennifer Neuman-Roper, one of the plaintiffs in the ACLU lawsuit seeking marriage equality in New Mexico, died on Friday of advanced cancer. She was 44. Roper, who in August married Angelique Neuman, her partner of more than 20 years, played a pivotal role in struggle to win the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in New Mexico. Because Neuman-Roper suffered from Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, the couple asked a judge in Santa Fe to allow them to marry case before her illness rendered her incapable. With only months to live, the couple feared the issue of same-sex marriage would not be resolved before Neuman-Roper’s death.
Although she died before the ruling was handed down (which is still pending), she and her partner were able to legally marry in Santa Fe before her death, thanks to a judge’s order. One more good example of why we can’t afford to wait for equality.
Find more articles and gay wedding resources in New Mexico.