| Lesbian Prisoners Married In Bruges, Flanders |
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| Written by Ivo Moelans | |
| Friday, 29 December 2006 | |
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For the first time two female inmates are married in Bruges prison Linda Couvreur (44), a mother of three, who was condemned for murdering her husband in 2003 and Theresa 'Terry' Van Heyst (43), condemned for arson were married today in the prison of Bruges. The two women met last April in prison and fell in love. Terry even refused the early release for which she was eligible to stay with her lover. Flemish prisons have a special room were prisoners can meet their partner for a so-called 'unhindered' visit once a month for two hours. The room is a special cell that has a couch that can be converted into a bed. Sanitary equipment, towels, condoms and so on are also provided. Linda and Terry had asked to be allowed this privilege but were denied this. By law, normally, they will be entitled to these conjugal visits now. However the warden of the prison has great autonomy in the day to day running of his prison and the respective lawyers of the two women fear he still might refuse the couple their rights. To prevent this they started a procedure to confirm the right of the couple to meet each other. On January 10th, 2007 a judge will decide. The marriage is a first, not because two women married but because two women in prison married. Until now only one of the partners was imprisoned. (Or neither, of course). Terry will be released next year. Linda, who always denied murdering her husband, will probably serve at least another ten years. Terry and Linda were both allowed ten guests. For the alderman who married the couple it was his last official function after a career of 30 years. |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 01 January 2007 ) |
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