In spite of Governor Rick Scott’s and Attorney General Pam Bondi’s stubborn refusal to drop their legal obstacles to same-sex marriage in Florida, the state managed to recognize such a union for the first time today. It happened when Arlene Goldberg received the newly-issued death certificate of her partner of 47 years, Carol Goldwasser, on which Goldberg is officially recognized as the “wife” of the deceased.

This seemingly small step toward marriage equality, albeit posthumously, is in fact a major development that took legal actions started back in April, when Goldberg was named as a plaintiff in Grimsley and Albu v. Scott. In that motion, the ACLU asked US District Court Judge Robert Hinkle to stop enforcing laws barring marriages between same-sex couples. On August 21, Judge Hinkle ruled that Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional and ordered the state to issue a new death certificate for Carol Goldwasser.

According to Equality Florida, after receiving the revised death certificate from the state, Arlene Goldberg stated, “For 47 years, Carol and I made our lives together, all the while being treated like strangers in the eyes of the law in Florida. It’s bittersweet that Carol isn’t here to share this joy with me, but for the first time in 47 years, our marriage was respected.”

Noting the irony of this recognition that came after one partner has died, Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida, said, “Couples shouldn’t have to wait until one spouse dies to receive the recognition and dignity that they deserve.”

“We share in Arlene’s joy that her marriage to Carol is now recognized,” Smith continued, “…but we are more committed than ever to seeing the day when all Florida couples and families are treated fairly and equally.”

Photo of Arlene Goldberg and wife Carol Goldwasser courtesy of Arlene Goldberg Facebook page.