The long wait is finally over for same sex marriages as the licenses were issued at the stroke of midnight in Maine's largest city, according to Chron.com.
The eager couples had to wait no more to exchange vows and marry officially under the state law. The first couple to have wed with a simple ceremony after getting their marriage license in Portland was Steven Bridges, 42 and Micheal Snell, 53. They had a commitment ceremony held six years ago and been with each other for nine years.
"It's historic. We've waited our entire lives for this," said Bridges, a retail manager, who's been in a relationship with the Snell, a massage therapist. Bridges and Snell were seen in black T-shirts with lavender and purple carnations on it with the words "Love is love."
Same sex marriage was legalized in November, with Washington state being in effect already. Gay marriage is also legal in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia.
The clerk offices will remain closed in York, Kittery and South Berwick over the weekend and open only by Monday. Remarking the New York's holiday on 1 January, 2013, the offices will be closed on Tuesday. Eliot Town Hall and clerk's office will open only on Wednesday.
York Town Clerk Mary-Anne Szeniawski said there have been minimal or no advance inquiries from the residents about the office working hours. "I did have phone call from a gentleman asking if we were going to be open Saturday, but he didn't say why he was asking," she said.
Other town clerks agrees there have been no inquires about their office working hours. Barbara Bennett, South Berwick town clerk recalls getting a phone call several weeks ago just asking if the office will be open and no calls since then. Eliot Deputy Town Clerk Pat Levesque or Kittery Town Clerk Maryann Place doesn't remember anyone calling them regarding any information. "There really hasn't been much interest that has come my way," Bennett said. "It could be the case that there is interest, but they just haven't asked us about it. I can't really say."
"I know people who are getting married tonight" in Portland, Matt McTighe of Cape Neddick, campaign director for Mainers United for Marriage said. "But these are people who have been together 30, 40 years, have already had commitment ceremonies and just don't want to wait another second."
