This past Thursday, Maryland issued its first license to gay couples, with voter supporters carrying 52% of the vote. According to the Washington Post, this was only one month after voters had upheld the state’s same-sex marriage law, which will go into effect on January 1st. 

A couple from Virginia, Kim Hinken and Adri Eathorne, had moved to Maryland specifically for their favorable views towards gay marriage. After being together for 10 years, they are finally allowed to get married. “It feels like society is really starting to treat us like everybody else,” says Hinken. 

Executives have seen more of a trickle of people getting a license for gay marriage, rather than a swarm of applicants. 

Couple Alli Harper and Jenn Monti got their license the first day they could, which was Thursday, December 6. They are happily awaiting their first child; both Harper and Monti will welcome their baby into the world knowing they will be respected and treated just like any ordinary family in Maryland.

Governor Martin O’Malley’s spokeswoman, Raquel Guillory stated, “this is an opportunity to celebrate its passage and thank the many, many people and organizations who helped ensure the passage of the bill and the referendum.” Governor O’Malley and his wife, Catherine Curran, plan on hosting an event at their house tonight, December 7th, with approximately 200 supporters of same-sex marriage to honor the passing of the new bill.