Politics & Government
Babylon Issues First Same-Sex Marriage Licenses
Several excited couples show up at Town Clerk Carol Quirk's office in Lindenhurst this morning to get long-awaited licenses.
History was made at Monday morning as several same-sex couples became the first to receive newly legal marriage licenses in the town from Town Clerk Carol Quirk’s office.
“It’s part of history," Quirk said. "It’s what the U.S. is all about."
Most of the couples at Town Hall July 25 were women, and two of the three couples Patch spoke to said they didn’t want to make a big deal, preferring not to speak publicly about obtaining licenses.
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However, one of those , Crystal Barrett and Jaime Kozerski, did share their excitement.
"We’re really happy about today,” Kozerski said.
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Like the several other who came down to Town Hall to obtain their New York State marriage licenses, Barrett and Kozerski have been together a while.
“We’ve been together 12 years," Kozerski said. "We’re getting married on our anniversary this Saturday."
Barrett added: “It’s going to be at our house, with family and a small ceremony."
The couple traveled from Bethpage to get their license.
“We figured it’d be easier than the Town of Hempstead,” Kozerski explained. “I grew up in North Babylon, so I know this area better.”
Quirk and her office were happy to accommodate, and they all seemed just as excited as the were this morning.
“Everyone in this office is thrilled for them,” said Quirk, who noted that there are at least four people in the office who can process marriage licenses.
“I’m glad I can share this happy occasion with them," the town clerk added, "and I can’t wait to pronounce them ‘spouse and spouse.'"
As of last week, all of Quirk’s weekly Thursday marriage ceremony spots were filled with couples looking to wed.
There several ceremonies scheduled for Wednesday and there may be a few on Tuesday, Quirk said.
Quirk that couples looking to wed at Town Hall this week–following the New York-mandated, 24-hour waiting period–can call Town Hall at 631-957-3000 to schedule an appointment.
Couples can ask for the Town Clerk’s office or call 631-957-3005, the direct number for birth, death and marriage licenses.
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