More than 100 same-sex couples wed in Seattle after State Law Change
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By Laura L. Myers and Jonathan Kaminsky | Reuters, on Sunday, Dec. 9
SEATTLE (Reuters) - Hundreds of well-wishers braved cold and rain to celebrate 133 weddings at Seattle City Hall on Sunday, marking the first day that same-sex couples could marry in Washington state. Washington, Maine and Maryland last month became the first U.S. states to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples by a popular vote, in a leap forward for gay rights. "It means that I can use the word husband without question or explaining," said Corianton Hale, a 34-year-old graphic designer, who was one of the first to tie the knot at City Hall. He married freelance copywriter Keith Bacon, 44. "We originally registered to come down here to get married at City Hall because we thought we'd just get in and get out," said Bacon. "It ended up being this incredible experience." About 300 people waited outside City Hall in frigid drizzle to cheer couples as they descended the steps to street level, some throwing rice, blowing bubbles and handing flowers to the newlyweds.
For same-sex couples swapping vows in Washington state, the path to legalization has been rocky. The state's Democratic-controlled legislature passed a bill to legalize gay marriage in February, and Democratic Governor Christine Gregoire signed it into law. But opponents gathered enough signatures to temporarily block the measure from taking effect and force the issue onto the state ballot. Voters, by 54 percent to 46 percent, ultimately approved gay marriage at the polls in November.
(Writing by Bill Rigby; Editing by Tim Gaynor, Tom Pfeiffer and Mohammad Zargham)
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