Marriage equality supporters celebrate landmark decision

YOUNGSTOWN — As cheers erupted around her, Kelly McCracken, 33, took a moment for herself.

“I just immediately grabbed Kelly and Ruby and we cried for a minute,” said McCracken, who Mahoning Valley residents might recognize as the lead singer of the local band The Kellys. McCracken, originally from Warren, now lives in the Cincinnati area with her spouse, Kelly Noe, 32, and the couple’s 1-year-old daughter, Ruby.

The Kellys – the couple – were plaintiffs in the landmark case on which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today. Same-sex marriage is now legal nationwide after the court’s 5-4 ruling striking down state bans on same-sex marriage.

Ohio was one of 13 states with restrictions on gay marriage.

For McCracken, the journey started in the Cincinnati law office where she and Noe, who became pregnant with Ruby via artificial insemination, visited before Ruby was born. On Friday, the couple returned to the office to await the decision.

“We walked into this office when Kelly was six months pregnant. ... We just wanted to see what we could do to get my name on [Ruby’s] birth certificate,” McCracken said.

“Now we’re walking out of the office with full marriage recognition and my name permanently on Ruby’s birth certificate.”

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com