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Today couples began marrying in Maine after a long campaign to make marriage equality legal there, including a loss at the ballot box in 2009 when voters banned gays and lesbians from marrying.
As part of a wave of successes for LGBT activists in November, Maine became the first state where voters approved a referendum initiated by marriage equality advocates. The measure won 53% to 47%. And the governor certified the results 30 days ago, which set up couples to begin marrying after midnight.
USA Today reports that the first couple to wed -- Steven Bridges and Michael Snell, a retail manager and a massage therapist respectively -- were serenaded by crowds gathered outside the Portland city hall with the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love."
Below check out photos and comments on Twitter.
\u201cHuge crowd at Portland City Hall. Several hundred strong ready for the first wedding of the night. #yeson1\u201d— David Farmer (@David Farmer) 1356755984
\u201cPortland City Hall is open for business! Marriage equality is a reality in Maine! https://t.co/ijWTROz1 #ME4M #marriageequality #LGBT\u201d— GLAAD (@GLAAD) 1356757260
\u201cAnd now the wait for the certificate to be certified. #m4me\u201d— Caroline Cornish (@Caroline Cornish) 1356758028
\u201cMaine's 1st married same sex couple exchanges rings. #m4me\u201d— Seth and the City (@Seth and the City) 1356758574
\u201cThe first couple is married!\u201d— EqualityMaine (@EqualityMaine) 1356758575
\u201cOne lonely protestor singing bible songs and preaching against "sin" outside City Hall #m4me\u201d— Krister Rollins (Newsletter link in bio) (@Krister Rollins (Newsletter link in bio)) 1356756894
\u201cGay marriage legal; joyous couples begin marrying. Great news for ALL Mainers - and the sky didn't fall this morning. https://t.co/hcLRiQ36\u201d— Stevoe (@Stevoe) 1356787846
lucasgrindley
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Lucas Grindley
Lucas Grindley is VP and Editorial Director for Here Media, which is parent company to The Advocate. His Twitter account is filled with politics, Philip Glass appreciation, and adorable photos of his twin toddler daughters.
Lucas Grindley is VP and Editorial Director for Here Media, which is parent company to The Advocate. His Twitter account is filled with politics, Philip Glass appreciation, and adorable photos of his twin toddler daughters.
Charlie Kirk DID say stoning gay people was the 'perfect law' — and these other heinous quotes