My parents entered into that sacred institution of marriage and then divorced when I was at an age too young to ever remember them together. Like them and nearly 50% of the others who have entered into this once exclusive club, I am also divorced.

Now, every Californian within legal age can buy a ticket and take the ride for themselves.

Some counties have retaliated against the new law by refusing to issue licenses for all weddings, thereby, ironically, I think, keeping us all equal in this regard.

Others simply wait for the November elections to vote on an amendment to the state constitution that will make these same-sex weddings null, void and illegal.

After witnessing the playfulness, the reverence and, yes, the gaiety on display during these initial wedding ceremonies at The Center on 4th Street, it could only be a cold, cold heart that could say that everyone shouldn’t be allowed this happiness.

ALL PHOTOS by DANIEL DE BOOM

Tags: California, equal rights, gay marriage, Long Beach, the center