Hundreds of gay couples marry in NY

WEDDING ceremonies for hundreds of gay and lesbian couples were held across New York yesterday, with advocates hailing the day as a milestone towards the eventual legalisation of gay marriage nationwide.

Sunday marked the first day when a law allowing same-sex marriage came into effect across New York.

Niagara Falls in the city hosted the first marriage after midnight, with the famous cascades illuminated in gay pride rainbow colours as the backdrop.