May 12, 2009 Massachusetts celebrates 5 years of gay marriage Play video

(NECN: Leslie Gaydos, Boston, Mass.) - Five years ago this week, anticipation was building and many couples were counting down the days. Massachusetts would become the first state in the nation to legally give marriage license applications to same-sex couples.

Marcia Hams and Susan Shepherd cut the cake at a gathering celebrating the fifth anniversary of Massachusetts becoming the first state in the nation to issue civil marriage licenses to same sex couples.

They were first couple to receive a marriage license on May 17, 2004.

May 17 is a proud day for Massachusetts -- it's the day that fairness overcame fear. The day that promise enshrined in our state's Constitution. The promise for equality for all was kept for loving committed gay and lesbian couples.

Mass Equality marked the anniversary by releasing survey results they say show public support for marriage equality has increased in the state.

A recent survey of 600 mass voters conducted by Lake Research Partners shows that 74% of voters believe that marriage equality is good for society. 62% of residents in the survey are opposed to amending the state Constitution to take away civil marriage rights -- that's a 10% increase since 2005.

The Massachusetts Family Institute opposes same sex marriage. President Chris Minot issued a statement saying in part:

"Five years after same-sex marriage began in Massachusetts, citizens remain divided and feel less secure in their civil

Until individuals can vote on the issue for themselves in this state, as they have in 30 other states across the country, the issue will not be settled in the hearts and minds of citizens.

In five years, four other states -- Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and Maine -- have legalized same sex marriage.