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Maine Sees First Gay Marriages

Couples wed as new law takes effect

By the Associated Press

Posted Dec 29, 2012 10:12 AM CST

(AP) – Arriving in a limo, Donna Galluzzo and Lisa Gorney had all the trappings of a traditional wedding: Rings, flowers, wedding vows, an entourage, and a friend to officiate. They were among the first gay couples to exchange wedding vows early this morning after Maine's same-sex marriage law went into effect at midnight. "We're paving the way for people to go after us," said Gorney after their ceremony in front of City Hall in Portland. "It's freeing. It's what's right."

Steven Bridges and Michael Snell were the first in line, and they received cheers from more than 200 people waiting outside after they wed in the clerk's office. Voters in Maine, Maryland, and Washington state approved gay marriage in November, making them the first states to do so by popular vote. Gay marriage already was legal in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and the District of Columbia, but those laws were either enacted by lawmakers or through court rulings.

Katy Jayne, left, gets a kiss from Lauren Snead after they obtained their marriage license in Portland, Maine.
Katy Jayne, left, gets a kiss from Lauren Snead after they obtained their marriage license in Portland, Maine.   (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
A crowd cheers at 12:30 a.m. Saturday as the first same-sex couple to be legally married in Maine departs City Hall in Portland, Maine.
A crowd cheers at 12:30 a.m. Saturday as the first same-sex couple to be legally married in Maine departs City Hall in Portland, Maine.   (Robert F. Bukaty)
Steven Bridges, left, receives a wedding ring from Michael Snell, early Saturday at City Hall in Portland, Maine.
Steven Bridges, left, receives a wedding ring from Michael Snell, early Saturday at City Hall in Portland, Maine.   (Robert F. Bukaty)
Steven Jones, left, and Jamous Lizotte wear laurel wreaths as they arrive at City Hall to obtain a marriage license in Portland, Maine.
Steven Jones, left, and Jamous Lizotte wear laurel wreaths as they arrive at City Hall to obtain a marriage license in Portland, Maine.   (Robert F. Bukaty)
Lucie Bauer, left, and Annie Kiermaier, of Rockport, Maine, celebrate the imminent recognition of their marriage Friday in Portland, Maine. The couple was married in California in 2008.
Lucie Bauer, left, and Annie Kiermaier, of Rockport, Maine, celebrate the imminent recognition of their marriage Friday in Portland, Maine. The couple was married in California in 2008.   (Robert F. Bukaty)
Donna Galluzzo, left, and Lisa Gorney leave the City Clerk's office after obtaining their marriage license early Saturday in Portland, Maine.
Donna Galluzzo, left, and Lisa Gorney leave the City Clerk's office after obtaining their marriage license early Saturday in Portland, Maine.   (Robert F. Bukaty)
Jamous Lizotte, left, and Steven Jones pose with their marriage license at City Hall in Portland, Maine.
Jamous Lizotte, left, and Steven Jones pose with their marriage license at City Hall in Portland, Maine.   (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 59 comments
George-Jetson
Dec 29, 2012 10:21 PM CST
In 5 - 10 yrs we'll have some great stats on gay marriage. Wait until the divorces start.
Jamesd.
Dec 29, 2012 9:26 PM CST
They may have rings, flowers and vows, but the fact is homosexual marriages will never be considered traditional, their lifestyle will never be considered legitimate, and their relationships will never be considered normal by mainstream society.
Libris_Fidelis
Dec 29, 2012 11:43 AM CST
I repeatedly tell homosexuals to beware of the pendulem swing!  This is not an issue of equal rights, it has always been the egocentric homosexual quest for legitimacy to their lifestyle so non-heterosexuals can lure heterosexuals into their lifestyle!  And it always has been just that.   But once a sizable-enough transition into homo-and-bisexual lifestyles begins to erode the family system for what this issue is REALLY all about... BEWARE of the repercussions AGAINST homo-and-bisexuality, which reaction by the family will be far more vicious than homosexuals and bisexuals realize will be coming!   Homosexuals and bisexuals SHOULD have been respectful for the advances they have inspired, but no, they have gone over-board with their arrogance and ignorance.  The day will come when alarmed parents will react negativelly en-masse to the influence of homo-and-bisexual lifestyles that will attract the mainstream families' offspring into abandoning heterosexual development... and then same-sex advocates will not be able to blame the repercussions on god-believers orating againt sin !!!!  Since 90% of humans are not homosexuals the clamor against homo-and-bsexuality will then be over-whemingly hostile!  Heed my words !!!

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gay rights • gay marriage • Maine • same-sex marriage

 
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