Gay marriage now legal

New Haven (WTNH) - Marriage between same-sex couples officially became legal in the state this morning.

All eight of the couples that were denied marriage licenses at the Madison Town Hall in August of 2004 came to the New Haven Superior Court as a judge cleared the way for gay marriage. It was at the same courthouse, four years and three months ago, that the case was originally heard.

The presiding Judge Jonathan Silbert read the state Supreme Court's finding as the couples looked on, some holding back tears.

"To the extent that any statute, regulation, or common law ruling in Connecticut is applied to prevent otherwise qualified individuals from marrying because they wish to marry someone of the same sex...This court declares that such  statutes...regulations...and common law rules violate the Connecticut Constitution for the reasons set forth in the Supreme Court decision in this case," Silbert said.

For the eight couples, it was the final vindication and for some an extreme emotional release. At 9:29 a.m., the judge signed the order and made it official.

"We are putting aside all of our past positions, whatever personal opinions or objections we may have to make sure that this decision is honored and followed and enforced," said Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who was also in court.

Blumenthal unsuccessfully defended the law banning same sex marriages. Immediately following the judges order he called the state Health Department and instructed them to immediately send an order by fax to every city and town clerk in the state instructing them to immediately begin issuing marriage licences to same sex couples.