Wedding Equality

Axel and Eigil Axgil, October 1, 1989

Copenhagen, Denmark

They were the first gay couple to enter into a registered partnership anywhere in the world following Denmark’s legalisation of same-sex partnership registration in 1989, a landmark legislation which they were instrumental in bringing about. They adopted the shared surname, Axgil, a combination of their given names, as an expression of their commitment. Axel died on October 29 this year. Eigil died in 1995. The couple had already been together 40 years at the time of their partnership registration. 

(Source: users.cybercity.dk)

Army Capts. Pete Bennett and Adam Harmon, October 8, 2011

Dubuque, Iowa

Bradford Wells and Anthony John Makk, 2004

Massachusetts

Although the couple were legally wed in Massachusetts and have lived together for 19 years in San Francisco, Makk is being deported to his native Australia. It is time to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.

Paul McMahon and Ralph Hodgdon

Married May 29, 2004 in Boston, Massachusetts. McMahon died earlier this year. Read more about them here. 

Tony Gillenwater and Emmanuel Wright, June 1, 2011

Chicago, Illinois

This couple was among the first to get a civil union license today as a new law went into effect.

Patrick Bova and James Darby, June 1, 2011

Chicago, Illinois

After 47 years together, this couple entered into a civil union today. Today was the first day that civil unions became available for same-sex couples in Illinois.

Rick and P.D.

Des Moines, Iowa

The Chicago couple traveled to their neighboring state where they were able to be legally married. Rev. Mark Stringer officiated. Thanks to P.D. for the submission!

Percy Stevens and Roger Lockyer, December 21, 2005

Westminster, England

The couple was together nearly 40 years before they were able to enter a legally recognized civil partnership. I recently featured them here, but I thought they were so cute that I’m running a second picture of them. 

John Maguire and Lawrence Scott-McKay, December 20, 2005

Edinburgh, Scotland

Maguire and Scott-McKay were the first couple in Scotland to enter into a legally recognized civil partnership after a new law went into effect in the U.K.

Jim Verraros and Bill Brennan, September 6, 2009

Oak Brook, Illinois

Verraros was a top ten finalist in the first season of American Idol.

Richard and John have been together 61 years and want the right to be legally married in their home state of New York. 

Tom and Ralph Colucci-Massotti, 2005

Stamford, Connecticut

Mayor Don Malloy walks away after marrying the couple shortly after same-sex marriage became law in the state. 

Roger Lockyer and Percy Stephens, 2005

London, England

The couple celebrates after entering a civil partnership. 

Eric Ethington and Doug Okun, 2004

San Francisco, California

The pair were married in city hall with their twin daughters in tow. 

Frank and Joe Capley-Alfano, June 17, 2008

California