New York Celebrates Marriage Equality

Sunday, June 24 brought the start of marriage equality in New York.  Across the state, gay and lesbian couples celebrated as they were finally–legally–able to exchange their vows and have their relationships recognized by the state.  New York City alone saw more than 800 marriages on Sunday.  Couples started lining up outside the Clerk’s office in Manhattan early in the morning.  By the time the office opened at 8:30, there were hundreds of people waiting to get their licenses and exchange their vows.

Foreground: gay and lesbian couples celebrate New York’s first gay wedding day. Background: protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church

The atmosphere on Worth Street was one of celebration and uncontrollable joy.  Even anti-gay protesters from across the city and the Westboro Baptist Church did not dampen the mood.  Couples came to Manhattan from across the New York Metro area and around the country to get married.  One lesbian couple from Texas said they wanted to take advantage of the fact that New York does not require residency to be married here, unlike other states with legal same-sex unions.

People said these rights were a long time coming, and won after a tough battle.  But they recognized that the start of marrige equality in New York is just the beginning of the fight.  Many of the married couples said they want to see the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) overturned.  Until this happens, they realize same-sex married couples will never truly be equal in the eyes of the law.

Click the links below to hear couples talk about their experiences:

Anastasio & Brown

McKinney & Zarrilli

Texas Women

–Zach Wichter