Scores of gay and lesbian couples tied
the knot on Friday following a federal ruling declaring the state's
ban on same-sex unions invalid.
Long lines quickly formed at county
clerk offices as gay couples rushed to secure marriage licenses
before an expected stay on the ruling is issued.
(Related: Judge
strikes down Utah's gay marriage ban; Clerk starts issuing licenses.)
According to Q
Salt Lake, the first couple to marry in Salt Lake County was
Michael Adam Ferguson and J. Seth Anderson.
“Deputy Salt Lake County Clerk Wany
Morrison was in tears as she handed the couple their license to
marry,” the outlet reported.
“Me and my new husband!!” Anderson
messaged on Twitter along with a photo of the pair holding their
marriage license. “My polygamous Mormon great grandparents would
be so proud!”
Some gay couples were turned away.
Clerks in at least four counties – Utah, Weaver, Washington and
Davis – refused to issue licenses to gay couples seeking them, the
AP reported.
In Salt Lake City, state Senator Jim
Dabakis married longtime partner Stephen Justesen. The wedding was
officiated by Mayor Ralph Becker, a strong supporter of gay rights.
Dabakis in 2011 was elected chairman of the Utah Democratic Party,
making history as the first openly gay man to lead a major party in
the state.
State officials late Friday filed a
notice of appeal in the ruling and a request for an emergency stay.