Same Sex Marriage Recognized In New Jersey – Gay Couples Walked Down The Aisle After Midnight
New Jersey is now the 14th state to recognize same sex marriage in the United States. Gay couples lined up to get married as early as 12:01 a.m. today as it has been recognized just today.
Majority of the cities in the said state opened their city halls as early as one minute after midnight to unite gay couples in marriage.
Newark's mayor, Cory Booker, wed nine couples calling the opportunity "the greatest privileges and honors of his life."
"It is officially past midnight, marriage is now equal in New Jersey," he said as everyone greeted his announcement with applauses and cheers.
First in line to tie the knot in Newark were 65-year-olds Joseph Panessidi and Orville Bell. Before they proceeded with the ceremony, Booker asked, "Do you wish to join in marriage?" "And I wish to join you, not in the marriage." He added immediately which caused laughter in the hall.
The ceremony was briefly interrupted when a man, later known as Mark de Rouville screamed, "This is unlawful in the eyes of God." The 24-year-old later told reporters that "The Bible says that 'he that lieth with a man as he does with a woman, it's an abomination in the eyes of the Lord"
The state law was ruled last month by a judge on the lower court who said that the state of New Jersey must allow and recognize same-sex nuptials and set Monday as the start for allowing gay marriage.
New Jersey law however said that couples who wish to tie the knot must apply for a marriage license and then wait for at least a period of three days. Some groups however were able to set for judges to waive the waiting period so that they can say their "I do's" right after midnight.