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Looking back at the legalization of gay marriage in Mass.

Janet Stathos (left) and Loretta Cardinale, who had been together for 24 years, walked out of City Hall into a cheering crowd after filling out their marriage license application.ESSDRAS M SUAREZ/GLOBE STAFF/FILE

Friday’s Supreme Court ruling making same-sex marriages legal across the United States finalizes a trend that began in Massachusetts in 2004, when the state became the first to marry gay couples.

Below, read some past Globe coverage as the state blazed a trail on the issue that culminated with Friday’s decision.

Nov. 18, 2003: Gays have right to marry, Mass. SJC says

In a historic and long-awaited decision, a deeply split Supreme Judicial Court ushered in a new era of gay rights, becoming the nation’s first state supreme court to rule that same-sex couples have the legal right to marry.

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Nov. 19, 2003: Lawmakers divided on response to gay marriage ruling

[Governor Mitt] Romney reiterated his opposition to gay marriage, declaring he had “3,000 years of recorded history” on his side, while still offering support for a handful of domestic partner benefits to gay couples. The Senate’s Democratic leader, meanwhile, said the court left the Legislature little choice but to accept gay marriage.

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Nov. 23, 2003: Reaction split on Mass. gay marriage ruling

As the debate over gay marriages spilled into the western suburbs last week, it was clear that the region, like the rest of the state, was struggling to make sense of the landmark decision. Whether they applauded Tuesday’s ruling or deplored it, area residents agreed that it would be some time before they could gauge its long-term implications.

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May 18, 2004: Mass. marks first day of legalized same-sex marriage

More than 1,000 gay and lesbian couples streamed into city and town halls across the state yesterday seeking licenses to marry, as Massachusetts marked the first day of legalized same-sex matrimony.

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Photos: Scenes from the first day of legalized gay marriage in Mass.

Janet Deegan (left) and Constance Cervone displayed their newly granted marriage license.ESSDRAS M SUAREZ/GLOBE STAFF/FILE 2003

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