ALASKA: Marriage Suit Plaintiffs Marry

Last week two couples married in Alaska after clerks waived the three-day waiting period and before the Ninth Circuit issued a temporary stay. Of the six couples named in the Alaska lawsuit, five were married in other states. Only one couple was unmarried. Until today.

Stephanie Pearson and Courtney Lamb exchanged vows outside the Frontier Building Monday morning in Anchorage. The wedding came moments after the couple picked up their wedding license. Monday is the first day same-sex couples could get their licenses following the Oct. 12 overturn of Alaska’s ban on same-sex marriage, which was approved by voters in 1998. The licenses had been on hold while the state appeals the ruling. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to get involved Friday, which cleared the way for marriage licenses to be issued. “Quite the emotional roller coaster it’s been,” said Lamb, smiling from ear to ear. “But very worth it in the end. Today is a great day.”

Photo by JMG reader Christopher.