Dayton (AP) – Same-sex marriages are underway in Ohio.
Courts around the state say they’re ready to begin performing same-sex marriages since the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision striking down same-sex marriage bans in Ohio and other states. But so far those in Cleveland and Toledo say they haven’t seen a wave of couples yet.
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley performed a simple ceremony less than two hours after the decision was handed down.
Whaley told Tim Walsh and Kery Gray: “In hard times, love offers hope.” The casually dressed pair repeated vows and moved their rings from their right hands to their left ring fingers.
Whaley told them: “I declare that you are now husband and husband according to the laws of the state of Ohio.”
They sealed the deal with a kiss and a hug, then ended the five-minute ceremony by sharing a celebratory cupcake provided by the mayor.