First Gay Couples Marry in San Francisco
More than 2,300 same-sex couples sign up for marriage licenses
SAN FRANCISCO—The first full day of same-sex marriages in the state began at 8 a.m. local time today as the first couples walked down the steps of City Hall into the arms of cheering crowds waving rainbow flags. A joyous atmosphere surrounded the building, with couples being serenaded by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus while local radio stations handed out cupcakes. Officials say more than 200 same-sex couples made appointments to be married in San Francisco today.
Gavin Newsom, the city's mayor, officiated over the first legal same-sex wedding ceremony in the state last night when he declared Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, a lesbian couple who have been together more than 50 years, "spouses for life." "And it feels great," said Lyon, 83, afterward.
During the invitation-only ceremony, Lyon wore a blue pantsuit while Martin, 87, in a purple pantsuit, stood up from her wheelchair for their vows. After the women exchanged rings, friends and family—and a few city officials—cheered wildly. Newsom turned to the gathering and said, "Ladies and gentlemen: It is official."
According to the San Francisco county clerk, more than 2,300 same-sex couples have appointments to obtain marriage licenses in the city in the next 90 days. Should voters reject a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would define marriage as between only a man and a women, experts believe as many as 200,000 same-sex couples will be married in the state over the next three years.
Reader Comments
Del Martin Passed Away...
Surrounded by her family, friends and lovingly devoted wife. Finally. May she rest in peace.
Gay rights
Its about who you love .Not who you are .
Legalized poligamy, pedaphilia, bestiality.
I don't think that there will be any movement at all in the near
future for promoting or legalizing polygamy, pedophilia, or
besitality - perhaps never. I've never heard of any constituency
for them. A constituency for same sex marriag exists among gays,however. They construe marriage to be a human rights issue, seeking equal rights in every respect that are enjoyed by the straight majority.The perception that homosexuality is an inherent personality trait or characteristic is almost certainly true. The most recent impartial research
confirms that sexual orientation is not susceptible to change.
Gay folk have been subjected to many charges and accusations
for such a long time,(sinful, disordered, criminal, insane or
mentally sick, perverted and many nore) that it is a joy to see
them stand up for their rights. Gays have found their voice in the last 4 decades, beginning with the riots in New York in 1969. The police raided a bar, the Stoneall Inn, and the customers fought back. The confrontation lasted 3 days, marking
the start of a new era. The
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