ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- A lesbian’s request for an annulment from her lesbian partner has created a legal quandary for a circuit judge. Missouri doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages from other states.
Charisse Sparks and Janet Peters Mauceri Sparks married each other in Boston three years ago and moved to Missouri shortly thereafter. Late last year, Charisse Sparks went to Buchanan County Circuit Court to dissolve the marriage.
The filing is a legal challenge in a state that voted overwhelmingly four years ago to limit marriage to a union between a man and a woman. Judge Daniel Kellogg said he’s treating the case as an annulment.
In her petition, Charisse Sparks does not recognize her marriage. Janet Sparks argues the marriage is legal.
Kellogg took the matter under consideration and scheduled another hearing for April 2.