Maine same-sex couples marry in first hours of law

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - After waiting years and seeing marriage rights nearly awarded and then retracted, gay couples in Maine's largest city didn't have to wait a moment longer than necessary to wed, with licences issued at the stroke of midnight as the law went into effect.

Arriving in a limo, Ms Donna Galluzzo and Ms Lisa Gorney had all the trappings of a traditional wedding: Rings, flowers, wedding vows, an entourage and a friend to officiate.

With tears in their eyes, they were among the first gay couples to exchange wedding vows early Saturday morning after Maine's same-sex marriage law went into effect at midnight.

"We're paving the way for people to go after us. I think it's just amazing. It's freeing. It's what's right," an emotionally drained Ms Gorney said after their ceremony in front of City Hall.