Same-sex couples took a number to make history Wednesday morning.
The Pierce County Auditor’s Office began handing out the numbers so the couples could reserve their spot in line to obtain a marriage license on Thursday, the day the same-sex marriage law takes effect
The auditor’s office handed out 11 numbers in the first half-hour after doors opened at 8:30 a.m. It handed out numbers early to prevent the couples from having to wait in line for hours to be among the first to receive a license.
After securing No. 8, Tacoma residents Miguel Rico and Kelly Christopherson snapped a picture using a smartphone of them holding up the card for posterity.
“It’s amazing to have something like this,” said Rico, 38, a Olive Garden server who is studying for his master’s degree in education at the University of Washington. “It’s amazing to be the first people to be part of history in this state.”
Added Christopherson, a 31-year-old hairstylist: “It’s still sinking in. It’s surreal.”
The couple got engaged three years ago with the understanding that they wouldn’t get married until same-sex marriage became legal in the state. Rico said he was confident Washington would legalize same-sex marriage as other states passed laws allowing it.
"I figured it wouldn’t be too long,” he said.
Rico and Christopherson will be among 140 couples who will be married at Seattle City Hall on Sunday, the first day same-sex weddings can be held due to the state’s existing three-day waiting period.
Christian Hill: 253-274-7390
Christian.hill@thenewstribune.com
@TNTchill
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