When the clock struck midnight, Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to legalize gay marriages. Across the state, same-sex couples have applied for marriage licenses, and some have joined in matrimony.

Gay marriage is legal but not everyone is saying “I do” to the whole idea. Some critics are opposed on religious grounds, and others voice concerns about what it means for the very institution of marriage, and the impact on children and society at large.

In this hour, we’re taking it all in: the celebrations, legal questions, and lingering social impact of gay marriage in America.

Guests:

Fred Thys, WBUR reporter covering the gay marriage story

Jonathan Rauch, author of “Gay Marriage: Why it is Good for Gays, Good for Straights, and Good for America”

Maggie Gallagher, president, Institute for Marriage and Public Policy, syndicated columnist

Annette Pleau, maried her partner, Amy Whitehead today

Lisa Coutier, attorney at Burns and Levinson, advises same-sex couples on their legal rights, past co-chair of the Gay and Lesbian Bar Association

Bill Schneider, political consultant for CNN