DC Same-Sex Couples Start Applying For Marriage Licences

Angelisa Young and Sinjoyla Townsend, an African American lesbian couple who have been together for 13 years, were first in line to get their marriage license in Washington, DC this morning after the Supreme Court refused to stop the DC marriage equality ordinance from going into effect.

Couples must wait three business days, and then can have their marriages solemnized and witnessed, which is when they go into effect. The first same-sex weddings in the District are expected on Tuesday March 9th.

Evan Wolfson, executive director Freedom To Marry, released the following statement:

"Today is a day of jubilation as Washington D.C. joins the five states and eight countries where same-sex couples now share in the freedom to marry. The issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples in America's capital marks a significant victory for the national movement to secure the freedom to marry, and a great joy for D.C. couples who no longer need to leave home to secure the protections and responsibilities of marriage for their families. As our nation's lawmakers mingle with committed couples living more securely than before and witness first-hand that the sky does not fall, it will be evident that there is no good reason for denying gay couples the freedom to marry, and every reason to end the federal discrimination against married couples inflicted through the so-called 'Defense of Marriage Act.'"

Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian task Force said:

"This is a profoundly moving moment for many D.C. same-sex couples and their families. To finally be able to share and celebrate one's love and commitment both publicly and legally is a lifelong dream for many. As a D.C. resident, I am personally proud of the council and mayor for standing so strongly for fairness and for affirming the common humanity that bonds each of us. We offer our sincerest thanks to them and to the many groups and individuals who worked so hard to bring us to this historic day, with special mention to Councilmember David Catania, Mayor Adrian Fenty, the Campaign for All D.C. Families, Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, D.C. for Marriage, and D.C. Clergy United for Marriage Equality, who are among those who had a vision for equality, pursued it with clarity and persistence, and won.

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the couples heading to the courthouse today to apply for their marriage licenses, and to the many others who will follow. Until you have walked in the shoes of someone who has been denied the right to exercise such a fundamental freedom, it is hard to comprehend the emotional depth and significance of this experience for so many couples in Washington, D.C."

Joe Solmonese, executive director of Human Rights Campaign said:

“This law is an important step towards equal dignity, equal respect and equal rights for all residents of our nation’s capital. Starting today, same-sex couples in D.C. will be able to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities that come with civil marriage. At the same time, the law also preserves the right of clergy and congregations to adhere to their faith traditions. Today represents a hard-fought victory for D.C. residents and a poignant reminder – here in the home of our federal government and most cherished national monuments – of the historic progress being made towards ensuring equality for all across the nation.”

Sharon Lettman, executive director of National Black Justice Coalition said:

We salute the nation's capital today for setting the tone of nationalreconciliation for our LGBT brothers and sisters seeking marriage equality. It is monumental that in the capital city, with
a Congress divided on so many pressing issues, equal access to the altar has
been granted to LGBT residents.