Pilar Prassas' documentary focuses on Diane Marini and Marilyn Maneely, a New Jersey-based lesbian couple who pushed for the legalization of same-sex marriage in their state. Although motivated into political activism by the desire for equal treatment under the law, the pair have an additional factor to consider—a race against the clock, since Maneely is afflicted with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and the absence of legal status for their union is only creating additional grief. The women join the Lambda Legal Fund and six other couples to fight the New Jersey state government for full marriage rights. When Maneely ultimately dies, Marini is forbidden from signing her death certificate even though the women were together as registered partners for 14 years. In Sickness and In Health (the title is taken from the phrase in traditional wedding vows right before “‘til death do us part”) tells a powerful story of one woman's steadfast devotion to her failing partner in the face of tragedy. By framing this modern day civil rights struggle around a couple facing a debilitating health crisis, this moving film puts a human face on an important issue. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (P. Hall)
In Sickness and In Health
(2007) 56 min. DVD or VHS: $89: public libraries; $295: colleges & universities. Women Make Movies. PPR. Volume 24, Issue 2
In Sickness and In Health
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