MONTANA: Marriages Commence

Same-sex marriage technically began late yesterday afternoon in Montana after a federal judge struck down that state's ban. But the true rush to clerks' offices begins today.

Gay couples were expected to line up for marriage licenses Thursday at county courthouses across Montana after a federal judge tossed out the state's ban on same-sex marriage. At least two counties — Missoula and Park — started issuing marriage licenses to gay couples Wednesday, while court clerks elsewhere geared up to do so Thursday. Among the first Montana couples to get their licenses on Wednesday were Amy Wagner, 56, and Karen Langebeck, 48, of Livingston, who have been together for 22 years. After hearing about the ruling at 2 p.m. MST, they got on the road to get their license. "Being able to get married and introduce Karen as my wife — that's a big deal. Now I have a way to describe this relationship that everybody understands," Wagner said. In Montana's most populous county, Yellowstone, the clerk of the district court said her office is ready to issue licenses. "For my office, nothing will be different than any other day," Kristie Lee Boelter said. Also Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union will hold celebrations at county courthouses in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena and Missoula. The group will provide officiants for couples who wish to marry immediately, ACLU spokeswoman Amy Cannata said.

Montana Attorney General Tim Fox declared yesterday that he will appeal the ruling, but said that he will not seek to block marriages during that process.

UPDATE: The Billings Gazette is live-blogging the action at the courthouse. Hit the link for happy, happy photos.