Maine same-sex couples marry in first hours of law
By DAVID SHARP?
?By DAVID SHARPMichael Snell, left, and Steven Bridges speak to a reporter, Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, outside City Hall before obtaining a marriage license under the state's new law in Portland, Maine. Bridges and Snell held a commitment ceremony six years ago but made marriage official under state law with a simple ceremony early Saturday as Maine's new law permitting same-sex marriage took effect at the stroke of midnight. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Michael Snell, left, and Steven Bridges speak to a reporter, Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, outside City Hall before obtaining a marriage license under the state's new law in Portland, Maine. Bridges and Snell held a commitment ceremony six years ago but made marriage official under state law with a simple ceremony early Saturday as Maine's new law permitting same-sex marriage took effect at the stroke of midnight. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Steven Bridges, left, receives a wedding ring from Michael Snell, early Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at City Hall in Portland, Maine. Same-sex couples in Maine are now legally allowed to marry under a new law that went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Donna Galluzzo, left, and Lisa Gorney leave the City Clerk's office after obtaining their marriage license, early Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at City Hall in Portland, Maine. Same-sex couples in Maine are now legally permitted to marry under a new law that went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
A crowd cheers at 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, as the first same-sex couple to be legally married in Maine departs City Hall in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Steven Bridges, left, and Michael Snell arrive at City Hall in Portland, Maine, Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, where they plan to obtain a marriage license. Same-sex couples in Maine will be allowed to marry as a new law goes into effect at 12:01 AM Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012.(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) ? Maine's gay marriage law has taken effect, and some couples took advantage of it right away.
The law went into effect Saturday a minute after midnight, and some cities and towns held special hours to issue marriage licenses, with some granted in the wee hours of the day.
Portland, the largest city in the state, opened at midnight to accommodate couples who didn't want to wait to get married.
Other communities including Bangor, Brunswick and Augusta were holding special Saturday hours.
Voters approved gay marriage in November, making Maine and two other states the first to do so by popular vote. The law already is in effect in Washington state; Maryland's takes effect Tuesday.
Associated Press
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