Same-Sex Couples Begin Marriages In Fulton County Courthouse

On Friday morning, new marriage application forms had already been changed to reflect the high court’s decision: “Applicant 1” and “Applicant 2.”

In the courtroom of Fulton County State Court Judge Jane Morrison, Emma Foulkes and Petrina Bloodworth became the first same-sex couple in Fulton County to be married.

Standing in a courtroom along with their son, Foulkes said they’ve been anxiously waiting for this day. The couple has been together for 10 years, she said.

“What happened today was so historical,” Foulkes said. “For our family to be legally recognized in the United States – this is just such an incredible day.”

Stedman Mays and his partner Charles Bjorklund were among the first couples in Georgia to get their marriage licenses as well. Mays, through tears, said he remembers his friends who passed away before being able to get married to their partners.

“I’m thinking of all the people today – justice – who never got to have this wonderful day that we’re having today,” he said.

Across from the courthouse, several Fulton County judges performed ceremonies for couples in the county’s Assembly Hall starting in the afternoon.

“Throughout the country, throughout Georgia, your marriage is recognized,” said Judge Morrison to a crowd of supporters and couples waiting to be married. 

In 2004, Georgia residents voted in favor of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. 

In a statement, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal said the state will follow federal law. 

“While I believe that this issue should be decided by the states and by legislatures, not the federal judiciary, I also believe in the rule of law,” Deal said.

Georgia, which had a constitutional amendment, was one of 14 states that banned same-sex marriage.