Skip to main content

Johnny Weir Marries Lawyer Boyfriend in NY

By Cynthia Hsu, Esq. on January 03, 2012 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir is married. Weir and his boyfriend Victor Voronov tied the knot in New York on December 30.

Weir's and Voronov's parents were present during the small ceremony. They exchanged handwritten vows. All this was made possible by the relatively new gay marriage law in New York.

Weir made the announcement on Twitter, writing: "Wedding in summer! But all the official stuff is done now! No more livin' in sin!"

New York legislators passed the law last year. It legalized same-sex marriage in the state. Gay and lesbian couples now have the right to wed.

Gay marriage gives same-sex couples the same rights on the state-level as heterosexual couples. This includes tax benefits and spousal benefits.

However, only traditional marriages are given federal-specific benefits and protections. This includes Social Security and veterans' benefits.

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) gives states the ability to decide whether or not to recognize a same-sex union made in another state.

So while Weir and Voronov may have legally tied the knot in New York, it's unclear if their union will be recognized in all states.

Still, the happy couple probably shouldn't let legal issues sully their post-wedded bliss. Voronov, 28, is a Georgetown law graduate -- meaning he probably understands the differences between federal and state laws. And what specific benefits he and Weir will receive as a married couple in New York.

Johnny Weir's married name is now Johnny Weir-Voronov. He will still be known professionally as Johnny Weir. Weir and Victor Voronov married in a New York courthouse. They are expected to follow up with a larger wedding over the summer.

Related Resources:

Copied to clipboard