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In the News

Bound by marriage, separated by law

Fabiola Morales and Kelly Costello were married in 2011, but because the federal government doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages, the couple may soon be separated.

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Fabiola Morales, left, and Kelly Costello had a story-book wedding in 2011, with 12 bridesmaids, matching white wedding gowns and both of their extended families attending the ceremony.

/ Maria Vicencio Photography

Because the District of Columbia recognizes same-sex marriages, couples like Costello and Morales can be married. But because the federal government doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages, the couple may soon be forced to live 4,000 miles apart.

Because the District of Columbia recognizes same-sex marriages, couples like Costello and Morales can be married. But because the federal government doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages, the couple may soon be forced to live 4,000 miles apart.

/ Maria Vicencio Photography

Bob Costello, left, makes faces during dinner as his daughter, Kelly, and her spouse, Fabiola Morales, and his wife, Sue, react, and the Costello’s home in Potomac, Md. Morales, a native of Peru, is in the United States on a student visa.

Dec. 20, 2012

Bob Costello, left, makes faces during dinner as his daughter, Kelly, and her spouse, Fabiola Morales, and his wife, Sue, react, and the Costello’s home in Potomac, Md. Morales, a native of Peru, is in the United States on a student visa.

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

Costello cooks as Morales cleans. If Morales was a man, their marriage would allow her to stay in the United States on a green card. But because the federal government doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages, Costello cannot sponsor her spouse. Morales’s visa expires next year.

Dec. 20, 2012

Costello cooks as Morales cleans. If Morales was a man, their marriage would allow her to stay in the United States on a green card. But because the federal government doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages, Costello cannot sponsor her spouse. Morales’s visa expires next year.

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

Morales and Costello relax on the couch after dinner with their dog, Blue, as Sue Costello uses her laptop computer. The couple live with Kelly Costello's parents in Potomac. Kelly Costello is pregnant with twins.

Dec. 20, 2012

Morales and Costello relax on the couch after dinner with their dog, Blue, as Sue Costello uses her laptop computer. The couple live with Kelly Costello's parents in Potomac. Kelly Costello is pregnant with twins.

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

Morales gives her mother-in-law, Sue Costello. “Our families are very supportive,” Morales said. “We are good people, and we have worked hard to make a contribution. We deserve equality.”

Dec. 20, 2012

Morales gives her mother-in-law, Sue Costello. “Our families are very supportive,” Morales said. “We are good people, and we have worked hard to make a contribution. We deserve equality.”

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

Costello and Morales met through friends in 2007. “We were made for each other,” Morales says. “She is my best friend, my motivation in life. Our future as a family is here, together. Why should I have to choose between her and another country?”

Dec. 20, 2012

Costello and Morales met through friends in 2007. “We were made for each other,” Morales says. “She is my best friend, my motivation in life. Our future as a family is here, together. Why should I have to choose between her and another country?”

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

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