Case: Connolly & Pochert v. Brewer / Roche (Federal District Court, D. Ariz.)
Filed January 6, 2014, as a class-action lawsuit challenging Arizona’s statutory (1996) and constitutional (2008) bans on same-sex marriage.
Plaintiffs included Terry Pochert, his husband Joe Connolly, and other same‑sex couples from across the state.
Attorney team: Led by Shawn Aiken, with co‑counsel Ryan Stevens, Mark Dillon, Mikkel Jordahl, Herb Ely, Will Knight, Heather Macre, and Stephanie McCoy Loquvam.
Amended complaint filed February 10, 2014, followed by summary judgment motion in April citing violations of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses.
Amended complaint filed February 10, 2014, followed by summary judgment motion in April citing violations of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses.
October 17, 2014: Judge John Sedwick ruled Arizona’s marriage ban unconstitutional in this case and related suit (Majors v. Jeanes).
Immediate effect: Arizona Attorney General (Tom Horne) chose not to appeal—clerks began issuing marriage licenses right away.
Significance: This state‑level win preceded the national Obergefell v. Hodges decision by 8 months.
A Little Bit More about Terry Pochert
Terry (Terrel) Pochert is a multifaceted media professional, media-technology veteran, and LGBTQ+ rights advocate based in Arizona.
Began in the early 1970s with the American Forces Thailand Network, the U.S. military’s broadcasting division in Thailand
Joined WXYZ‑TV (Detroit) in 1972, where he worked as an engineering supervisor and news-editing supervisor, contributing to AM/FM/TV operations
He later retired from WXYZ, but his legacy lives on via posts on “The Broadcasting Vault,” which he maintained documenting his career
Currently serves as CEO of Connert Media LLC, based in Tempe, Arizona.
Also acts as editor for Connert Media, Inc., sharing interesting media trivia and insights on social platforms
In 2013, Terry and his partner Joe Connolly were lead plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit that successfully challenged Arizona’s ban on same-sex marriage
Their case culminated in a 2014 federal ruling that deemed the state’s ban unconstitutional, paving the way for marriage equality in Arizona—preceding the national Supreme Court ruling by eight months
Terry is active with University Lutheran Church in Tempe and its campus ministry, organizing events and supporting student and faith initiatives
Served as an E‑4 Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force before transitioning to media
Studied mass communications at Macomb Community College
Resides in Tempe, Arizona, with his husband, Joe Connolly, and remains deeply involved in faith, media, and equality advocacy communities
In Summary: Terry Pochert bridges technical media expertise with impactful social activism. From engineering broadcast systems to engineering societal change—as a key figure in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Arizona—his career combines tech, leadership, and heart.
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