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In Gay-Friendly Wilton Manors, A Laid-Back Response To Gay Marriage Ruling

C. DiMattei

Perhaps it was the rain. Or because it was Jan. 1st, a day for sleeping off New Year's Eve revelry and laying low.

But in Wilton Manors, one of the most gay-friendly cities in the country, the reaction to a judge's decision essentially clearing the way for gay marriage in Florida was pretty subdued.

For weeks, there's been widespread confusion over whether Judge Robert Hinkle's decision on marriage licenses for gay couples applied to all Florida counties. But on New Year's Day, Hinkle clarified his initial ruling, saying Florida’s county court clerks have a legal duty to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

In a busy shopping plaza along Wilton Drive, there was no confetti-throwing or dancing in the streets. People we spoke to hadn’t even heard the news until we brought it to them. 

Christine Osmond lives in Wilton Manors with her partner of 10 years and called the news “awesome.” 

"We should be equally treated. Our love is the same as every else's love," she said.

Osmond and her partner took their vows last year in Key West. They say they plan to have another ceremony in the Keys some time in April --  this time, with a marriage license in hand.

Christine DiMattei is WLRN's Morning Edition anchor and also reports on Arts & Culture.
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