Same-Sex Marriage Becomes Legal In DC

WASHINGTON - On a typical day, about a dozen couples apply for marriage licenses at the courthouse in Washington, D.C. By midday on Wednesday, however, about 125 couples came to fill out that paperwork. Most of them were same-sex couples.

The Congressional review period for D.C. legislation has expired, and a recently-enacted local ordinance legalizing gay marriage is now law in the nation's capital.

Rocky Galloway and Reggie Stanley were among the first in line before the courthouse opened.

"We've been together six years," explained Stanley. "Clearly this is a day that caps off our commitment to one another, and to our two daughters at home."

The men are raising twin 15 month olds.

Angelisa Young and her partner of 12 years, Sinjoyla Townsend, were first in line. Townsend told reporters, "I couldn't wait for the dream to come true."

Not everyone was elated that the prospect of legal marriage is now open to gay and lesbian couples.

A handful of members of the extremely conservative Westboro Baptist Church, in Topeka, Kansas, picketed the courthouse. Church member Margie Phelps told reporters that legalizing gay marriage is, "Gonna be the final straw with God. It will... herald in the final destruction of this nation."

She also characterized homosexual attraction as a "filthy abomination."

A somewhat larger group of liberal ministers sang "This Little Light Of Mine" as same-sex couples began trickling out of the courthouse.

"I am here to support loving relationships that transform lives for the better," declared the Rev. Kate Murphey. "I believe that's what Jesus is about, and that's the truth that I strive to follow," added the United Methodist minister.

After three business days have elapsed, the couples who applied for licenses can pick them up. Some of them said they would marry immediately on Tuesday, the first day they can pick up their licenses.
 

On the Net:

Superior Court of the District of Columbia marriage bureau:
http://www.dccourts.gov/dc courts/superior/family/marriage.jsp

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty issued the following statement congratulating same sex couples on filing for marriage licenses in the District of Columbia:

“Today, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment of 2009 has truly come to fruition, setting the tone for other jurisdictions to follow. The District has taken a historic leap forward, becoming a more open and inclusive city in which all residents can thrive.

Congratulations to the all District couples who are committing themselves to one another under the eyes of the law. I wish you each a long and fulfilling marriage.”