Gay couples start applying for marriage licenses in Guam

Associated Press

HAGATNA, Guam

The lesbian couple who sued to overturn a gay-marriage ban were put to the front of the line today when Guam became the first U.S. territory to recognize gay marriage.

Loretta M. Pangelinan, 28, and Kathleen M. Aguero, 29, drew the No. 4 slot as couples were assigned numbers when the Office of Vita Statistics at 8 a.m. But out of respect, they were allowed to be the first gay couple to get their marriage license.

They plan a big wedding with friends and family July 4, but they still had another role to play at the official territorial office after applying for their license.

The couple who drew No. 1 were Deasia Johnson of Killeen, Texas, and Nikki Dismuke, 37, of New Orleans, and they asked Pangelinan and Aguero to be witnesses for their ceremony, which took place immediately.

At least three same-sex couples were in line for marriage licenses during the office’s first few hours of business, and two other couples picked up applications, said Bill Pesch, one of the lawyers representing Pangelinan and Aguero.