WATERLOO - It may be just a piece of paper, but to local gays and their allies, an Iowa marriage license signifies much more - acceptance, legal protection and hope for national change.

"It's been a long time coming, and we've had to fight for each and every little scrap of recognition," said Ardie Viet, a lesbian. "I have no doubt in my mind that the Iowa decision will be the catalyst for overturning the federal law because it is so well written. They examined each and every argument and looked through the biases and the B.S. and saw that (the gay marriage ban) was discrimination against a disliked minority."

The Waverly woman was one of roughly 30 people who gathered at a Waterloo home Monday night to celebrate the realization of the Supreme Court's decision legalizing same-sex marriage in Iowa. Although justices handed down their ruling on April 3, Monday was the first day first day gay and lesbian partners were able to apply for marriage licenses.

Many party-goers said they cried tears of joy when they heard same-sex unions would be sanctioned by the state. The recognition will bestow gay couples with inheritance rights, power of attorney and employment benefits equal to their heterosexual counterparts. It also validates same-sex partnerships, supporters said.

"I never thought that the prospect of marriage was going to be open for us," said Maureen Kress, who has been with partner, Carol Baker, for nearly 25 years. "Tonight's a celebration and I think it's going to continue all summer long, especially with friends and family being able to gather and be supportive of these marriages."

Paul Danielsen, who hosted the party with John Wilson, his partner of almost 20 years, applied for a marriage license Monday. He's looking forward to his nuptials, and is excited to attend other same-sex ceremonies.

"This is something that's been a long time coming in the gay community," said the 69-year-old. "A lot of people have waited a lot of years for this."

Contact Mary Stegmeir at (319) 291-1482 or mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com.