Same-Sex Couples Line Up to Make It Legal in D.C.

Wednesday marked the first day that same-sex couples in Washington, D.C., could begin the process of tying the knot by applying for marriage licenses, which they did in droves at our nation’s capital, waiting in long lines at local courthouses to get their paperwork in order.

The Associated Press:

Because of a mandatory waiting period of three business days, couples won’t be able to marry in the District of Columbia until Tuesday. But the mood Wednesday was still celebratory. Couples got cupcakes from a city councilman who sponsored the gay marriage law, and throughout the morning, people applauded as they exited the marriage bureau with their applications complete.

Sinjoyla Townsend, 41, and her partner of 12 years, Angelisa Young, 47, claimed the first spot in line just after 6 a.m. They are already domestic partners in the city but wanted to become legally married.

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AP / Jacquelyn Martin

Darlene Garner, left, smiles at her partner, Candy Holmes, who is overcome with emotion after the couple obtained their marriage license Wednesday.