In first time same-sex couples marry in Maine
PORTLAND, Maine- The first gay and lesbian couples to marry under the new same-sex marriage law Maine exchanged promises early Saturday in a number of parts, but happy civil ceremonies held shortly after midnight.
"We finally feel equal and happy to live in Maine," an exuberant Steven Bridges, 42, said that shortly after he and his newlywed husband, Michael Snell, 53, became the first couple in the town hall in the largest city in Maine to tie the knot.
After the couple had completed the necessary paperwork, the city administration clerk, Christine Horne, performed the short, no-frills ceremony, said the two men marry, as they exchanged rings and kissed. Snell's two grown daughters, both from a previous heterosexual marriage, smiled.
Other couples waiting in the hallway outside the office of the clerk cheered the couple as they arise, and a much larger crowd of about 250 supporters huddled in front of the building showed a jubilant roar as Bridges, a retail manager, and Snell, a massage therapist, came out in the cold night air.
A group in the audience sang the Beatles song "All You Need Is Love", accompanied by a number of musicians playing brass horns, and many carried signs with slogans such as "America's new day begins in Maine" and "love one another. '
Nearby, a man who identified himself as a local preacher shouted Bible verses.
"I am here to speak for the Lord and to warn them that they must repent," the man said. "They must repent of their ways. Though man is a law does not mean that God does."
Marital Similar scenes were repeated in the five couples exchanged vows in the next two hours, and several weddings were expected for the office was scheduled to close again at 03:00 newlyweds cupcakes were offered when they left the building.
About 15 couples just got their marriage licenses, with plans to marry later.
PORTLAND, Maine- The first gay and lesbian couples to marry under the new same-sex marriage law Maine exchanged promises early Saturday in a number of parts, but happy civil ceremonies held shortly after midnight.
"We finally feel equal and happy to live in Maine," an exuberant Steven Bridges, 42, said that shortly after he and his newlywed husband, Michael Snell, 53, became the first couple in the town hall in the largest city in Maine to tie the knot.
After the couple had completed the necessary paperwork, the city administration clerk, Christine Horne, performed the short, no-frills ceremony, said the two men marry, as they exchanged rings and kissed. Snell's two grown daughters, both from a previous heterosexual marriage, smiled.
Other couples waiting in the hallway outside the office of the clerk cheered the couple as they arise, and a much larger crowd of about 250 supporters huddled in front of the building showed a jubilant roar as Bridges, a retail manager, and Snell, a massage therapist, came out in the cold night air.
A group in the audience sang the Beatles song "All You Need Is Love", accompanied by a number of musicians playing brass horns, and many carried signs with slogans such as "America's new day begins in Maine" and "love one another. '
Nearby, a man who identified himself as a local preacher shouted Bible verses.
"I am here to speak for the Lord and to warn them that they must repent," the man said. "They must repent of their ways. Though man is a law does not mean that God does."
Marital Similar scenes were repeated in the five couples exchanged vows in the next two hours, and several weddings were expected for the office was scheduled to close again at 03:00 newlyweds cupcakes were offered when they left the building.
About 15 couples just got their marriage licenses, with plans to marry later.
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