Vermont’s same-sex marriage law took effect Sept. 1 at midnight and the first weddings took place immediately.
The state became the fourth where same-sex couples can marry, following Massachusetts, Iowa and Connecticut.
Same-sex marriage also has been legalized in New Hampshire (the law takes effect Jan. 1), Maine (the law was supposed to take effect Sept. 12 but has been delayed by a referendum that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot) and California (where voters amended the state constitution last November and halted same-sex marriages).
In addition, gay couples who get married where it is legal are recognized as married in New York, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia.
Same-sex marriage also is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden and Spain.
By Rex Wockner
