Reel Affirmations: The Nation's LGBT Film Festival 2008

"In typical marriage vows, 'til death do us part' is the phrase that follows 'in sickness and in heath.' But to many gay and lesbian Americans, saying these words and enjoying their subsequent benefits are not an option.

A few brave residents of New Jersey took up this issue in their state and brought same-sex marriage to the forefront as a civil rights issue. At the heart of this moving documentary are Diane Marini and Marilyn Maneely who, along with six other couples and the Lambda Legal Fund, filed a lawsuit against the state of New Jersey, seeking the right to marry their life partners. Marilyn was afflicted with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and, when she passed away, Diane (her registered partner of 14 years) was not allowed to sign the death certificate.

IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH fiercely delivers a clear and simple message that gay and lesbian people are not second-class citizens and should not be treated as such. With a tender touch, director Pilar Prassas delicately balances tragedy and triumph in the ongoing fight for the ability to marry the ones we love.