Phyllis Lyon (right) kisses her partner, Del Martin, after being married Monday at San Francisco City Hall by Mayor Gavin Newsom. The two have been together for more than 50 years. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP. [from AJC]

Time:

Same-sex couples began marrying late Monday night in courthouse ceremonies across California, putting triumphantly happy human faces on a debate that is nevertheless far from over. Crowds turned out to welcome — and, for some, to protest — weddings in Beverly Hills, Oakland and the wine country north of San Francisco.

In San Francisco, hundreds gathered to see long-time gay rights icons Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin marry after more than half a century as a couple. “When we first got together, we were not really thinking about getting married, we were thinking about getting together,” Lyon said to laughter, standing behind Martin’s wheelchair. “I think it’s a wonderful day. We are very happy.” “Ditto,” said Martin.

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