Man Uses Loophole In Gay Marriage Laws To Wed German Shepherd
Â A Maine resident, 34-year-old Charles DeMar, has discovered a loophole in his stateâs gay marriage laws that have allowed him to legally wed his 2-year-old German Shepherd mix, Jake. DeMar bought Jake from a shelter a little over a year ago, and he says that they have been inseparable ever since.âI love Jake more than I have ever loved anyone in the world,â said DeMar, a retail manager for a large big-box chain. âIâm not homosexual, myself. Iâve never really been attracted to any man or woman that Iâve known. When I adopted Jake, I was lonely. I havenât been lonely since.âAccording to the wording ofÂ laws in most states where gay marriage has been legalized, a man or woman may marry someone of the same sex, and be granted the same rights and privileges as that of heterosexual couples. The laws in Maine, which voted to legalize same-sex marriages in 2012, are worded slightly differently, allowing DeMar to legally wed his canine pal.âIn Maine, we made the mistake of saying that any male can marry another male, or female can marry female, and be granted the rights of marriage,â said David Klein, a representative for the Maine State Bar Association. âBecause it does not sayÂ manÂ andÂ man, but ratherÂ maleÂ andÂ male,Â Mr. DeMar was able to apply for and receive his marriage license at his local town hall.âNormally, laws would also be worded to include statements about both parties being mentally fit and able to sign the marriage certificate, which is a legally binding document.âThat wasnât the case in Maine, either,â said DeMar. âI really looked into a lot before we went through with this. I signed my name, and Jake really did put his paw into some ink and I had him step on the certificate. I think he knows that weâre married. He gave me sloppy kisses right there at the town hall in front of the notary public.âOfficials for the Maine State Attorney General say that they are working with the local and state government agencies to re-word the law as quickly as possible, before anyone else uses the loophole to wed their pets.âThis was an oversight on our part that is bringing us disturbing attention,â said Klein. âYou can bet that the laws will be rescinded and changed as quickly as possible.ââIâm just so happy that I was able to make this happen,â said DeMar. âUnfortunately, Maine state law is extremely strict on the acts of bestiality, so I refuse to elaborate on whether or not we have consummated our relationship. I will say, though, that neither myself or Jake have ever been ones to âfollow the rules,â if you know what I mean.â