Same-sex marriage ceremonies begin in Maryland

Many same-sex couples in Maryland rang in the new year with wedding ceremonies, as gay marriage became legal in the first state south of the Mason-Dixon Line on Tuesday.

James Scales, who is marrying William Tasker on Tuesday shortly after midnight, said shortly before the big moment that he could hardly believe he is finally marrying his partner of 35 years.

 

Scales, who has worked for the Baltimore mayor’s office for 25 years, is being married by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake at City Hall.

Ceremonies are taking place in other parts of the state as well.

Same-sex couples in Maryland have been able to get marriage licenses since Dec. 6, but they did not take effect until Tuesday.

Nine states and the District of Columbia have approved same-sex marriage.