A lesbian couple that was the public face of the same-sex marriage debate in Massachusetts is ending their marriage after four years. Julie and Hillary Goodridge, along with six other gay couples, filed a lawsuit that led Massachusetts becoming the first state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage. The couple, together for nearly two decades before they wed, were married in May of 2004 on the first day same-sex marriage became legal. They announced their separation in 2006 and filed for divorce last week.

A source close to the women said Hillary enjoyed her status as a gay rights pioneer and wanted to try new things, whereas Julie was more reserved. After they won their lawsuit and got married, they seemed to have less in common. What tore apart their marriage had nothing to do with their homosexuality. Like so many other straight and gay couples, they just grew apart.

Same-sex marriage was legalized in Connecticut today when the state Supreme Court issued a 4-3 decision at 11:30 this morning saying that same-sex couples cannot be denied the freedom to marry according to the state’s constitution. Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell said she will abide by the decision even though she believes a marriage should only be between a man and a woman. “The Supreme Court has spoken,” Rell said. “I do not believe their voice reflects the majority of the people of Connecticut. However, I am also firmly convinced that attempts to reverse this decision—either legislatively or by amending the state Constitution – will not meet with success.” [Boston Globe]

Hallmark, the nation’s largest greeting card company, is rolling out four same-sex marriage cards in response to consumer demand. The cards, which feature two tuxedos, overlapping hearts, or intertwined flowers are neutral, with no actual mention of weddings or marriage, so they’ll still be suitable in states where same-sex marriage hasn’t been legally recognized—every one but Massachusetts and California. While it’s wonderful that such a huge corporation is recognizing this group, the cards won’t necessarily make it into all Hallmark stores, as each can choose whether or not they want to add the cards to their selection. So, if a Hallmark’s store owner is against homosexuality, his customers might not have access to these cards, kind of like how some pharmacies refuse to fill birth control prescriptions because their owners don’t agree with their use. [CBS News]