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"By the authority vested in me I hereby pronounce that they are partners in life this day and for always." (CNN)

Angelisa Young and Sinjoyla Townsend became the first same-sex couple to exchange wedding vows in Washington D.C. This step by the nation's capitol is highlighting the debate surrounding gay marriage.

Rev. Patrick Jonathan Walker tells Russia Today that some in D.C. feel they didn't get a say in the decision to let same-sex couples marry.

“The Supreme court has said that marriage is a matter of state's rights. So who determines the state's rights? The citizens of that state. The citizens of the District of Columbia have not been able to voice. We have a representative government who will not represent all of the citizens."

Washington D.C.'s Fox 5 reports that the increase in marriages could be good for the D.C. economy. 

"A study by UCLA's Williams institute says gay marriage will bring an economic boost to the city, estimating more than $52 million in spending from local and visiting couples for their big day."

Metro Weekly, D.C.'s longest running lesbian and gay publication, highlights the support shown by some in the religious community.   

D.C. religious leaders: Singing "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine..."

But CNN reports that the Catholic Church in D.C. has taken action to voice its displeasure.

"Catholic charities, the social services arm of the archdiocese of Washington, just announced it will no longer offer health benefits to spouses of any new employees or current employees who aren't already covered under its plan. As a result the nonprofit is effectively avoiding having to give benefits to same-sex partners keeping with the church's opposition to same-sex marriage."

Writer: Veronica Wells

Producer: Newsy Staff