James (Left) and Robb (Right)
The first male couple to be married in DC had a brief ceremony outside the DC Courthouse this morning just before 9 AM. Robb Hawthorne and James Betz, both Foggy Bottom residents and members of the GW community, tied the knot surrounded by friends, family, and supporters. (Edit: another ceremony for Jeremy Moon and Brian Legaspi occurred inside the courthouse simultaneously.)
While residents could apply last week, today was the first day same-sex couples could officially marry in DC.
The couple got to the courthouse not long after 3:30am this morning, and others began to gather soon after. Friends and supporters brought Krispy Kreme treats for anyone to enjoy, and others brought signs congratulating all those who were getting married today. Fortunately, hate-filled protesters didn’t arrive until later in the morning after the first ceremony — and since there were only two of them, they were easily ignored and pushed to the side by the many, many supporters there to celebrate equality, marriage, and love.
While being interviewed by the massive collection of reporters, the newly-weds were asked why it was so important to them to be the first to get married. James said that while they were happy and proud to be part of such an historic day, the most important aspect of today was simply that they were finally married — for them, today was about confirming and celebrating their love and commitment to one another.
We wish all the best to all of today’s newly-weds, and we’re especially proud of Robb and James for tying the knot and starting their married life right here in Foggy Bottom! CONGRATS!
(Full Disclosure: Robb and James are personal friends of mine, and I’m so happy for them!)
More:
DCist
NBC Washington
Huffington Post
Metro Weekly
Washington Post
Something from Hungary
The GW Hatchet (Check it out for the awesome slideshow)
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What an exciting day for them– and an inspiring day for the rest of us!
[...] angry, hateful, bigots reading out blog either — so allow me to post some hate-be-gone from yesterday’s events. (One of) The first Gay Couple to Marry in DC This entry was written by Jared, posted on March [...]
[...] pretty quiet time in FoBo this week. FoBoBlo got pretty gay with dating, marrying, and smooching, and everyone enjoyed the spring time weather we had up until today’s rain. [...]
Perhaps you might want to redact their addresses from that photo with the marriage certificate so some crazy whack-job doesn’t misuse the information.
While marriage licenses are public record, I’ve noted your concern and blurred it out here.
[...] it from what? I’m not sure exactly — I saw the first gay couples wed in DC just this month, and so far as I can tell straight people can still get married. Particularly funny [...]
[...] would I say that? Remember when Foggy Bottom residents James and Robb became one of the first two same-sex couples to be (simultaneously) married in DC? Ask the HRC about it, and they might tell you a different story. Indeed, they told every major [...]