Audio By Carbonatix
A gay couple who married out of state and had their names changed accordingly are suing after the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles revoked their driver’s licenses that included the new last name.
Daniel DeSousa and Scott Wall traveled to New York last year to tie the knot and decided to change their last names to Wall-DeSousa. They did so through the Social Security Administration and had no trouble at the federal level. However, they ran into problems when they tried to have the name change recognized by the State of Florida.
According to the Associated Press, Daniel had his driver’s license successfully changed in Brevard County. However, when Scott tried to do the same thing, he was told that his New York marriage license was not recognized by the State of Florida. So Scott decided to go to Orange County and get it changed there, which he did without a problem.
Then the couple told their story to an Orlando-area TV station. Apparently someone at the DMV was watching, because the Wall-DeSousas later received letters informing them that their new licenses had been canceled.
When news happens, Miami New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If Miami New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
Understandably, the two are now suing Florida’s DMV for violating their rights to due process, equal protection, and free speech.
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
