Monday dawned in Hawaii with dozens of gay couples forming lines at various venues to exchange vows and take advantage of the state’s same-sex marriage law that just went into effect.
One resort in Waikiki was offering a mass ceremony for anyone who wanted to join in, The Associated Press reported. Meanwhile, another ceremony set up by openly gay clergy was poised to kick off at a Unitarian Universalist church near Honolulu.
“It’s just exciting and historic, and we wanted to be a part of it,” said Maria Gallo, a Honolulu resident who was set to exchange vows with her partner, Beth Creary, during a midnight event at a Sheraton hotel, AP reported. “This is like a confirmation with a group of people here who are sharing our joy.”
The new law in Hawaii allows gay couples to obtain a license and trade vows on the same day — opening the door for tourists to take advantage, AP said.
“We started this battle 23 years ago, and we get to finish it tonight,” said Michael Golojuch Jr., the chairman of Honolulu Pride, in the AP report.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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