WASHINGTON - Some gay and lesbian couples are now considered married in the District as a new law took effect Tuesday recognizing the unions performed in the six states where same-sex marriages are allowed.

For D.C. Residents Jeff Krehely and Trevor Blake who went to Massachusetts to get married three years ago, Tuesday was a special day now that they're legally married in the District.

"It's really important to us as residents of D.C. and we think it's a great step forward," said Krehely.

"In a place that's really become our home and where we recently purchased a home," added Blake.

Despite vocal protests by mainly church-led opponents of gay marriage, efforts to stop the law in the council, the Congress and the court have failed. Now, supporters want the next step -- gay marriages performed in D.C.

"We really need to move with all haste to establish marriage equality in the District of Columbia," said Phil Pannell, a D.C. political activist.

There are still many hurdles left for the couple despite D.C.'s marriage recognition. The federal government still considers them single men and there's no indication that's likely to change anytime soon.

"We might be able to file taxes as a married couple jointly in D.C. but our federal taxes will still have to be filed as single individuals," said Blake. 

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