Dec 30, 2014 1 min read

When Pennsylvania overturned its ban on gay marriage on May 20, a local couple was at the forefront of the story. Deb and Susan Whitewood of South Fayette, along with two of their children, a widow and 10 other couples had challenged the state’s law barring same-sex marriage with a federal lawsuit. The Whitewoods had attempted to file for a marriage license at the Washington County Courthouse in June 2013, and their request was denied. They married in Maryland in October of the same year. “We are so excited to be a part of history,” Susan Whitewood said. “This is validation that we are equal. It’s enormous.” Pennsylvania was the 19th state to legalize same sex marriages. As of Dec. 23, 35 states have legalized same sex marriage.