Same-sex couples can legally marry in Washington D.C., as of today. Image from Flickr.
Washington D.C. passed a measure to legalize same-sex marriages in the district, and today that measure took effect. About 150 same-sex couples applied for marriage licenses in Washington D.C. today, according to The Associated Press. Here are a few stories from day one of legalized same-sex marriage in Washington, D.C. No amount of quick cash for a picket campaign can keep them from doing so.
Washington D.C.’s first same-sex marriage
Angelisa Young and Sinjoyla Townsend were the first same-sex couple to apply for a marriage license in Washington, D.C., according to the Washington Post. Now they will be able to share everything– the title of “wife,” health insurance and guaranteed payday loans. Of course, payday lenders have never taken marital status into account, but perhaps finances overall will be less complicated for Young and Townsend now
Washington D.C.’s first married same-sex couple met 13 years ago at the University of the District of Columbia. The Washington Post reports:
The couples won’t be able to marry until Tuesday at the earliest since it takes three business days for the applications to be processed. Young and Townsend plan to marry that day in a ceremony at the Human Rights Campaign headquarters with friends and family in attendance.
The numbers
The Associated Press reports that about 150 same-sex couples applied for marriage licenses at the court house in Washington D.C. today, where usually about a dozen apply. Couples from surrounding states such as Maryland (which aid last week it will recognize same-sex unions performed elsewhere), Virginia and West Virginia were present. There were also a few protesters from Kansas and some extra security guards at the court house.
Deborah Weiner and Janne Harrelson, who have a 15-year-old daughter have been together 24 years. Weiner said she believed their marriage would provide a more solid sense stability for their daughter. The Post reported that the crowd applying for marriage licenses appeared to be made up more women than men. It costs $45 to get a marriage license in Washington D.C.
In good company
Washington D.C. joins Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont in legalizing same-sex marriage. According to all reports, day one of legalized same-sex marriage in Washington D.C. was a busy day for the court house, but it remained peaceful and filled with happy tears.
