First Gay Couple Issued Marriage License in Minnesota

Same-sex couples began lining up early at government offices around Minnesota today as applications for same-sex marriage in the state began being accepted for the first time, reports Minnesota Public Radio.

Al Giraud and Jeff Isaacson, who have been together for 11 years, were the first to receive a license at the Hennepin County Government Service Center in Minneapolis.

"We've been waiting a long time, so we wanted to be first in line," Giraud told MPR. "Its a historic day, so we wanted to be here."

Though Minnesota's same-sex marriage law won't take effect until August 1, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties have begun taking early applications and issuing couples postdated marriage licenses.

Giraud and Isaacson say they plan to be among the first same-sex couples married that day and they're relieved equality has arrived in their state.

"It's the commitment between the two of us, and the fact that it not only is going to be recognized by our friends and family, it's now going to be recognized by the state," said Isaacson. "We won't have to fight for any of the same rights that married couples currently have."