The couples are the first of hundreds waiting to enjoy wedded status under the world´s first laws allowing same-sex marriages. The Dutch law was enacted after more than 15 years of campaigning to award homosexual couples equal rights under civil law.
Minutes after the law took effect, Amsterdam´s mayor officiated at the ceremonies of three male couples and a lesbian couple.
Homosexual couples under the new laws are able to apply for court approval to adopt Dutch children. Only Dutch nationals or resident foreigners living with a Dutch partner are eligible for the same-sex marriages.
