Friday, December 07, 2012

"Two Laws Are Welcomed After Midnight in Seattle"

Jane Lighty, left, and Pete-e Petersen received the first gay marriage license in Washington State.

 Stacy Solie (New York Times):
The King County executive, Dow Constantine, operating on one hour of sleep, was on his way to the restroom with a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. It was Mr. Constantine who made the decision to open the doors at midnight and to get staff to volunteer to work through the wee hours. “People have waited years for this,” he said. “They should not have to wait a minute longer to take advantage of their rights.” As at the Space Needle, the atmosphere was celebratory. There were flowers, people blowing bubbles and supporters who serenaded those in line with “Going to the Chapel.” “People are brimming with optimism,” Mr. Constantine said. By midday, the party atmosphere had dissipated a bit, as had the line. The more than 400 licenses handed out, though, handily beat the previous single-day record of 212, Mr. Dow said. MORE...
Howie P.S.: It's going to be hard to refrain from teasing "Mr. Dow" the County Executive about this the next time I see him. And another thing: shouldn't the headline have referenced "Washington state," not Seattle?

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