When the State Legislature took the historic step of legalizing same sex marriage back in June, who knew a whole new cottage industry surrounding gay wedding ceremonies was about to spring up?
Apparently, former State Supreme Court Justive Robert E. Whelan recognized his services would be needed right off the bat. He is now advertising his nuptial know-how in local publications and on his own website to let same sex couples know he is ready to pronounce them officially married in the eyes of the State of New York.
"It's your day and I will be honored to make it special and memorable," he says on his website.
The judge, a former Buffalo comptroller, says he will perform secular vows, spiritual vows and self-written personal vows in ceremonies that "are professional and joyous with a personal human touch."
And maybe those predictions of an economic windfall from the new law will come true after all. Whelan says on his website his services are available for a fee starting at $250.
--- Robert J. McCarthy
