Sun. December 9, 2012
Seattle, WA -
As soon as the clock struck midnight on Sunday, gay and lesbian couples in Washington state began to exchange vows for the first time.
The state's new law legalizing same-sex marriage took effect on Thursday, but couples couldn't wed until after a mandatory three-day waiting period. Several courthouses throughout the state will be open Sunday to begin marrying couples. One-hundred-and-forty gay and lesbian couples will marry at Seattle's City Hall on Sunday morning.
Last month voters in the state approved a referendum legalizing same-sex marriage. Washington state is one of three states to approve same-sex marriage through popular vote. Nine states and the District of Columbia now recognized same-sex marriage.
A new Gallup poll released Wednesday shows support for marriage equality has reached an all-time high, with 53 percent of Americans in support.
Related: First couple to receive same-sex marriage license in Washington State will wed on Sunday
On the Web:
Same-sex couples wed in Washington state for first time
Reuters
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