US: Gay marriage became law in Massachusetts yesterday. Ian Kilroy reports from Cambridge on the happy - if controversial for some - occasion.
When the clock stuck midnight at Cambridge City Hall in Massachusetts, gay marriage became the accepted law of the land.
A celebratory roar rose from the thousands that had gathered to witness the historic moment, and there was dancing in the streets.
Ms Marcia Hams (56) and Ms Susan Shepherd (52) had camped outside Cambridge City Hall for 24 hours to be the first to file their marriage application.
Together for 27 years, both appeared nervous when it came to the moment. "I'm shaking so much," said Ms Hams as she filled in her application form. Before registering their marriage, they cut a huge three-tier cake, and toasted the event with glasses of champagne.
Soon the first few couples emerged from city hall to the waiting crowd outside, having completed their applications for marriage licences.
With hundreds in the line waiting to be next, it was expected that marriages would be registered well into the night.
The riot police that had been deployed to keep a watchful eye on proceedings were relaxed. They held back, and their presence hardly seemed necessary amid the festive atmosphere and good humour of the thousands of well-wishers that had gathered to show their support.
A small group of demonstrators huddled together across the street from city hall, holding aloft signs with slogans like "God Hates Fags" and "Fags Doom Nations".
"I think it's sick that these people are in our state," said Steve, who declined to give his surname. "They're coming here to change marriage to suit their own perversion."
But as the party got into full swing, Steve and the other protesters slipped away. They left the blocked-off street of Massachusetts Avenue to the fancy-dressed, flower-bearing supporters of same-sex marriage, who from time to time launched into a rendition of the American national anthem as couple after couple emerged having registered their marriages.
Ms Linda Gavin (54), who was marrying Ms Priscilla Hoffnung (60), echoed the feelings of most outside city hall when she spoke of the pride she felt that she was finally able to wed her partner of 30 years. "It's magical. It's something I can't believe is happening in my lifetime."
Also proud was Boston resident Mr Mark Pasnik, friend to one of the couples that had brought the case challenging the state ban on gay marriage.
"I'm very proud of being a resident of Massachusetts today," said Mr Pasnik. "This is a very historic event for us."
The next day he planned to spend celebrating the marriage of his friends Mr David Wilson and Mr Rob Compton, who would first be meeting Boston mayor Mr Thomas Menino, before proceeding to formally marry at Boston City Hall.
The euphoria of gay marriage supporters seemed to ensure that the party would go on well into the week. And with the rush to marry by so many couples in Massachusetts, it seemed likely the Boston streets would be full of brides and brides, and grooms and grooms for days to come.