Tapestry minister Rev. John Gibb Millspaugh (left) is pictured with Matt Brideson (center) and Eric Nichols after they applied for their license.
Melissa Allen and Elizabeth Andreason just after their civil marriage ceremony on June 17.
Standing on the Side of Love: Equal Marriage Becomes Law in California
June 18, 2008
With tears of celebration, same-sex couples began to experience the joy of civil marriage in California on June 17, 2008. Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations across the state joined in the celebration at City and Town clerk's offices, church properties, and other wedding locations.
Members of the UU Church of Long Beach stood at the Norwalk County Clerk's Building (LA County) on June 17 as couples—gay and straight—were issued marriage licenses. One member reported, "three of us showed up at 8:00 with 12 dozen red roses and 60 little bags of birdseed, all of which carried tags reading "Standing on the Side of Love . . . With all best wishes from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach."
Melissa Allen and Elisabeth Andreason (pictured, right) attend the Mt Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek. They were married in Martinez at the County Clerk's office on June 17, 2008. Many more weddings took place at the Ventura County Administration Building, and UU ministers were present to offer support and congratulations along with members of area congregations.
And in Berkeley at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Maryann Simpson and Cynthia Aspordites, a couple for 28 years, were legally married by co-ministers, Revs. Barbara and Bill Hamilton-Holway. Rev. Bill Hamilton-Holway reported, "what a thrill to hear them say to each other 'I do take you as my lawfully wedded partner.' We did not know how tender and powerful it would feel for us to say, 'Now by the power vested in us by the State of California, we pronounce you legally married.' We bless them and all who have persevered in their right to marry."
More coverage of legal marriage in California will follow on UUWorld.org in the coming days.
Last updated on Wednesday, June 18, 2008.
