Same-Sex Marriages Begin In Rhode Island

Updated August 01, 2013

The Associated Press

Lisa Kesser, front, reacts while completing paperwork to obtain a marriage license with her partner of 20 years, Dorcey Baker, at Providence City Hall Thursday. (Steven Senne/AP)

Same-sex marriages have begun in Rhode Island, and local officials for the first time are issuing marriage licenses to gay couples who wish to wed in the state.

Gay marriage became legal in Rhode Island and Minnesota at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, bringing the number of states allowing same-sex marriage to 13.

Officials around Rhode Island began issuing licenses when clerks' offices opened at 8:30 a.m., making marriage an option for gay couples everywhere in New England.

A couple that have been together for 41 years, Federico Santi and John Gacher, arrived first thing at the Newport City Clerk's office. They previously were joined in a civil union and immediately married after getting their license.

Newport City Clerk Kathleen Silvia called Thursday "a day of smooching" in Rhode Island.

Earlier: R.I. Legislature Approves Gay Marriage

This article was originally published on August 01, 2013.

This program aired on August 1, 2013. The audio for this program is not available.

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