Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Gay Couples Tie Knot Across California

Dozens say 'I do' in Calif. as lesbian activists tie first knots

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 16, 2008 7:45 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Dozens of gay couples legalized their love in California today as the state embraced same-sex marriage, the Los Angeles Times reports. While small groups demonstrated outside county clerk's offices, activist couples got first dibs in San Francisco and Los Angeles. "We just love each other," said Robin Tyler, whose marriage to Diane Olson was the first gay marriage in Los Angeles County.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom officiated at the wedding of longtime couple Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin as cheers filled city hall, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The activists have been a couple for a half century, and were married before in a union nullified by a court ruling. "I never thought this was going to happen to tell you the truth," said a friend.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, right, applauds for Phyllis Lyon, 84, and Del Martin, 87, sitting on wheelchair,in San Francisco, Monday, June 16, 2008.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, right, applauds for Phyllis Lyon, 84, and Del Martin, 87, sitting on wheelchair,in San Francisco, Monday, June 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, Pool)
Robin Tyler, left, and Diane Olson, sign their marriage certificate for their marriage license at the Los Angeles County clerk's branch office in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Monday, June 16, 2008.
Robin Tyler, left, and Diane Olson, sign their marriage certificate for their marriage license at the Los Angeles County clerk's branch office in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Monday, June 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Luis Sinco, Pool)
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, right, marries Phyllis Lyon, 84, second from left, and Del Martin, 87, third from left, in a special ceremony at City Hall in San Francisco, Monday, June 16, 2008.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, right, marries Phyllis Lyon, 84, second from left, and Del Martin, 87, third from left, in a special ceremony at City Hall in San Francisco, Monday, June 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, Pool)
A protest truck against same sex marriages circles around City Hall in San Francisco, Monday, June 16, 2008.
A protest truck against same sex marriages circles around City Hall in San Francisco, Monday, June 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Pedestrians walk past a marquee supporting same sex marriage hanging above a Castro district strorefront in San Francisco, Monday, June 16, 2008.
Pedestrians walk past a marquee supporting same sex marriage hanging above a Castro district strorefront in San Francisco, Monday, June 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Phyllis Lyon, right, kisses her partner Del Martin after being married by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom in a special ceremony at City Hall in San Francisco, Monday, June 16, 2008.
Phyllis Lyon, right, kisses her partner Del Martin after being married by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom in a special ceremony at City Hall in San Francisco, Monday, June 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, Pool)
Robin Tyler, right, holds her marriage certificate with Diane Olson, left, outside the Los Angeles County clerk's branch office in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Monday, June 16, 2008.
Robin Tyler, right, holds her marriage certificate with Diane Olson, left, outside the Los Angeles County clerk's branch office in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Monday, June 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Luis Sinco, Pool)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

3 couples tie knot in Yolo County
Sacramento Bee

Gay marriage ties religious groups in legal knots
Christian Science Monitor

A gay marriage timeline
Reuters

In Massachusetts, everything's the same and everything's different
CNN

 
California • gay marriage • San Francisco • lesbians • Gavin Newsom

More Newser Stories

Gay Marriage Debate Key to SF Mayor's Future

SF Mayor Becomes Unwitting Gay-Marriage Bugbear

Gay Weddings Go on Without Bridezillas

Gay Marriage Worth Millions to California: Economist

Calif. 'Isn't Letting Me Feel Happy,' Plaintiff Charges
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne