'We Were Waiting For This Day' Gay Couples Get Marriage Licenses
DENVER (CBS4)- Although Colorado has been issuing same-sex marriage licenses since last fall, many couples waited until the Supreme Court reached a decision on the unions.
"We've been together for 10 years but we were just waiting for this day," said Rebecca Howard.
Rebecca and Judith were the first same-sex couple to take their marriage vows on Friday in Denver.
"I called upstairs and said, 'You want to marry me today?'" asked Rebecca.
"I was getting ready for work and said, 'Sure, that would be a great idea,'" said Judith Day.
Even though same-sex marriage licenses have been issued since October 2014 in Colorado, Denver's Clerk and County Recorder Debra Johnson said those licenses came with a lot of uncertainty.
"There's been this ambiguity in terms of 'Was it really valid?'" said Johnson.
Equality Colorado said having same-sex marriages recognized in all 50 states not only validates every couple's love and commitment but also the benefits of marriage.
"There are 1,138 benefits or so associated with marriage at the federal level, everything from Social Security, veterans benefits, inheritance... all kinds," said Equality Colorado spokesman Jeff Allen.
"I feel like this whole mantel of rights has come to rest on our shoulders that we have not had before. This is very exciting," said Judith. "We're wife and wife!"