Same-sex couples in California get marriage licenses

SAN FRANCISCO — California has become the second state to allow same-sex marriages.

A landmark California Supreme Court ruling overturning bans on gay marriage went into effect at 5 p.m. Monday and clerks in at least five counties began handing out gender-neutral marriage licenses.

At San Francisco City Hall, Mayor Gavin Newsom was presiding at the wedding of lesbian rights activists Del Martin, 87, and Phyllis Lyon, 84.

Same-sex couples were also tying the knot in Sonoma, Los Angeles, Yolo and Alameda counties.

Massachusetts is the only other state where gay marriage is legal.