Montco marriages in limbo
Montgomery County officials are close to obtaining the validation of about 100 same-sex marriage licenses issued by Montgomery County Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes.
Hanes issued the licenses in 2013, before Pennsylvania allowed marriage equality, and about 100 couples who received licenses from Hanes are uncertain about their validity.
This week, Michael P. Clarke, an attorney for Hanes, said he expects the marriages to be validated shortly.
“We are in the final stages of wrapping this up,” Clarke said in an email. “I anticipate something in the next few weeks.”
Ken Oakes and Ed Rice are among the couples whose marriage remains uncertain.
“I remain optimistic,” Oakes told PGN. “I’m confident local authorities won’t let us fall by the wayside.”
Police-brutality trial date set
An October trial date has been set in the police-brutality lawsuit of Luis A. Berrios 3d.
Berrios is suing Officer Michael Gentile for allegedly using excessive force when arresting him during a domestic disturbance in December 2010. He’s also suing Officer Robert Taverez and Detective Joseph Newbert for allegedly standing by and facilitating the excessive force.
Berrios contends police were motivated by homophobia, noting they used slurs such as “faggot” during the incident.
Jury selection is set to begin 10:30 a.m. Oct. 13 in Courtroom 3-E of the U.S. Courthouse, 601 Market St. U.S. Magistrate Judge Lynne A. Sitarski will preside.
Opening arguments will proceed immediately after selection of a jury.
Lesbian inmate turns 90
Lois J. Farquharson, a lesbian inmate who’s believed to be the oldest woman incarcerated in Pennsylvania, turned 90 last month.
Farquharson was sentenced to life without parole in the 1971 shooting death of Leon Weingrad, a Philadelphia physician. Her advocates say she should be released, noting another person fired the shots, but the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons repeatedly declined to recommend clemency. She is incarcerated at the state prison in Muncy.
“She is wheelchair-bound and single-celled in the infirmary but remains a vibrant, though quiet, presence to her friends, other inmates and staff,” said Jane Keller, a friend. “She is well-respected for her vigor and integrity.”
— Timothy Cwiek