Monday, January 2, 2012

Delaware - First Civil Union Takes Place in Trinity Episcopal Church

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KASEY JONES Associated Press

More than 400 people witnessed the first same-sex civil union in Delaware on New Year's Day, a ceremony one guest called "absolutely beautiful." 

Lawyers Lisa Goodman and Drewry Fennell were joined in the union by the Rev. Patricia Downing, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington, where the afternoon ceremony took place.

"Everything went perfect, I couldn't be happier, everything was flawless," said Ken Boulden Jr., New Castle County Clerk of the Peace. Boulden opened his office on Sunday so that Goodman and Fennell and seven other couples could get their licenses the first day they were available. Boulden was a guest at the Goodman-Fennell ceremony.

Calling the event a "lovefest," Boulden said the good weather meant even heaven smiled down upon the couple. "It was a great way to begin the new year," he said.

Downing said she had known Goodman and Fennell for about four years and the couple crafted a service to reflect their relationship. "I'm full of pride and joy and extremely happy and excited that this could happen in Delaware," she said...

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., read the sermon and Delaware Lt. Gov. Matt Denns read scripture at the ceremony.

Goodman said that when the congregation gave the couple a standing ovation after the union was pronounced, "I was afraid to turn around because I was afraid I might cry..."

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