Politics | Charlie Crist Fla. Gov Marries Amid Protests Gays slam marriage ban as Crist weds New York socialite By Rob Quinn Posted Dec 13, 2008 6:32 AM CST Copied Protesters stage a demonstration across the street from the wedding of Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, and his new bride Carole Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Florida Gov. Charlie Crist married socialite Carole Rome last night as hundreds of people protested outside, the St. Petersburg Times reports. Most were from a group outraged by the governor’s support of Florida’s gay marriage ban, passed last month. Others protested the death of a St. Petersburg teen shot by police last summer. "Congrats Charlie From 2nd class Floridian" read one sign held by a gay protester. Crist, who met Rome at a dinner in New York last fall, seemed unfazed by the protests as he emerged from the church with Florida's new first lady. "It's a great night for Florida, it's a great night for us," he said to the crowd. "Free speech is alive and well.” Read These Next A game of doorbell ditch turns fatal for 11-year-old. Guy accused of snatching hat from boy at US Open IDed as rich CEO. At Colorado airport: collision, flames, death. Robert Mueller's family makes a surprise revelation. Report an error