First same-sex marriages conducted in Washington

Washington, March 10: The first gay couples to take advantage of a law that allows same-sex couples to marry in Washington gave their "I dos" Tuesday.

Ceremonies were held Tuesday morning at the courthouse and at the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights advocacy group that broadcast the ceremonies of three couples live on the internet.

Washington last week began allowing same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses, and around 100 couple took advantage of the new law.

The city council approved the move in December and attempts by opponents to block it were turned down in court.

Five of 50 US states allow same-sex marriage: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. The highly contentious social issue has pitted gay rights advocates and conservative religious groups for years. Efforts to legalize the practice in California failed when it was placed on a 2008 ballot.