Gay and lesbian couples began marrying
in Idaho on Wednesday.
Last week, the Ninth Circuit Court of
Appeals in San Francisco upheld a lower court's ruling striking down
the state's ban on gay marriage. The court also struck down Nevada's
ban. The rulings affect all states within the court's jurisdiction,
including Alaska, Arizona and Montana.
(Related: Judge
won't block ruling striking down Alaska's gay marriage ban.)
After attempts by officials to block
the ruling from taking effect – including a last-ditch appeal to
the Supreme Court – the Ninth Circuit on Monday ordered the state
to begin issuing marriage licenses to gay couples on Wednesday.
All four plaintiff couples received
marriage licenses at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise.
Plaintiffs Amber and Rachael Beierle,
together 3 years, were the first to be married at Boise City Hall by
acting Mayor Maryanne Jordan (pictured).
Members of the Boise Gay Men's Chorus
performed for the crowd gathered outside the Ada County Courthouse,
Boise
State Public Radio reported.