MASON, Mich. – Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum today issued 57 same-sex marriage licenses and performed 30 ceremonies at the historical courthouse in downtown Mason. Byrum announced special Saturday hours for her office following Judge Bernard Friedman's ruling that struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage.
"Today we took a major step toward equality for all Michiganders, but we celebrate knowing that there is more work to be done," said Byrum. "I look forward to continuing to marry loving couples in Ingham County and I am so honored to share this historic day full of love with our community. I also want to thank my staff and volunteers. We couldn't have done this without them."
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Shortly after 8 a.m. Byrum issued the first Michigan same-sex marriage license, and performed a ceremony for Glenna DeJong and Marsha Caspar, of Lansing.
"These loving couples were denied the right to marry for far too long," said East Lansing Mayor Nathan Triplett, who performed five ceremonies at the courthouse. "Thanks to Clerk Byrum, they weren't forced to wait one day longer. I was honored to be a part of this historic day."
The Ingham County Clerk's office will reopen and continue to issue licenses on Monday at 8 a.m. Byrum reminds residents that individuals are to apply in the county in which they or their partner reside. Applications will be available in the office and are also available online. Applicants should also bring a government-issued photo ID. The clerk's office is located at 315 S. Jefferson in Mason.