The Times They Are A Changin'

According to the Associated Press, the debate is almost over

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Miami judge who overturned ban weds gays and lesbians

MIAMI (AP) -- Lesbian and gay couples were wed in Miami on Monday by the same judge who approved their marriage licenses, hours before Florida's coming-out party as the nation's 36th state where same-sex marriages are now legal statewide.

The addition of Florida's 19.9 million people means 70 percent of Americans now live in states where gay marriage is legal.

The cheers in the courthouse reflect how much of the nation's third-largest state has changed since the 1970s, when Anita Bryant, the former beauty pageant queen and orange juice spokeswoman, started her national campaign against gay rights in Miami.

"It's been a long time coming," said Cathy Pareto, who wed Karla Arguello, her partner of 15 years. "Finally Florida recognizes us as a couple. It's just -- I don't know, sweet justice."