A day to celebrate [gay marriage report from Western Mass.]

[Bill McBlueState]

A day to celebrate
BY SUNSHINE DEWITT STAFF WRITER

NORTHAMPTON - Cheers rang out through the crisp morning air as city residents Heidi Norton and Gina Smith walked slowly towards council chambers, one step in their long odyssey to get married.

The couple, plaintiffs in the landmark Massachusetts gay marriage case, were one of the first same-sex couples in the country to legally sign their marriage papers.

''I'm so excited,'' said Norton, who will soon take the name Nortonsmith. ''After all the work, this is the day we celebrate.''

A massive crowd had gathered to celebrate the day. After leaving the council chambers, the couple were showered with rice, and greeted with shouts of congratulations as they made their way towards the courthouse, where they sought a waiver in order to be able to marry today.

more at http://www.dailyhampshiregazette.com/storytmp.MFC?id_no=5170055&CSSUBSTART=1&TVS=1%24-877097006%2450%24Mon+May+17+14%3A30%3A26+EDT+2004-22709%240%243037354144384535444236414238383035364534373242433636443139353334&CSBOX=1%24180%240%24USD%240.0%2410.0%2420.0%240.0%240%240%2433%3AUSD%3AUSD%3AL4%2C0%2C.05%2C.02%2C.05%2C10%2C0%2C.25%2418%3AUSD%3AUSD%3AL1%2C.02%2C.05

(free registration required) There are some snippets about events in Northampton, Amherst, and Easthampton. It's great how the town governments are being so supportive.

[Bill McBlueState]

1. kick