"The best $7,000 I’ve ever spent:" County Board Committee approves Abele paying overtime in same-sex marriage case

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele thanks the County Board’s Finance Committee for their vote Thursday, July 24th approving his $7,147 donation to pay for all overtime costs associated with keeping the Courthouse open to allow same sex couples to get married.

County Executive Abele ordered the Courthouse open late on Friday, June 6th and on Saturday June 7th to accommodate couples looking to get married, nearly 150 couples exchanged vows in that 24 hour period.

“It’s safe to say this is the best $7,000 I’ve ever spent,” County Executive Abele said. “By keeping the Courthouse open we helped loving couples marry and sent a message that Milwaukee County supports equality.”

County Abele has been a long-time supporter of marriage equality and LGBT rights. Since being elected County Executive in 2011, he’s continued that support by establishing domestic partner benefits for Milwaukee County employees and recently signed a into law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expressions.