At least 44 couples obtained marriage licenses in about 10 communities from Portland to Bangor, where clerks' offices opened at midnight, and a dozen couples were married almost immediately in city or town halls, according to Portland Press Herald.

Two Christians protested outside Portland City Hall by singing religious songs. "This is wickedness. They are bringing judgment upon Maine and the nation," one of the protesters, who identified himself as a local resident and a street preacher, was quoted as saying.

"I'm here to speak for the Lord and to warn they need to repent," he said. "They should turn from their ways. Even though man passed a law, doesn't mean God does." ...