Wedding Equality

According to news reports, police broke up this unnamed couple’s wedding party in February 2010 in Kenya. Police said that they broke up the wedding both because homosexuality is illegal in Kenya and also to protect them from a mob threatening to kill the grooms. The grooms were found not guilty on charges of homosexual conduct. However, I have found no updates of what has happened to them since the traumatic events of their wedding day.

Juan Carlos Moretti and Adrian Figuera, April 17, 2008

Montevideo, Uruguay

The couple pose back at home right after their wedding. They were the first same-sex couple in Uruguay to marry after a “cohabitation union law” went into effect.

Bruce Knotts and Isaac Humphrie, 2006

Canada

The couple, who live in New York City, were married in Canada. They are now fighting for the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act so that their marriage will be recognized at home. Add your voice here.

(Source: standingonthesideoflove.org)

Stephan Hengst and Patrick Decker, August 1, 2009

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Caption from Reuters: “Dutch born Stephan Hengst (R) kisses his husband Patrick Decker who was born in U.S. after being married by Amsterdam’s Mayor Job Cohen on an official wedding boat during the Gay Pride Canal Parade in Amsterdam August 1, 2009. Cohen married five American-Dutch gay couples on Saturday in an implicit criticism of the lack of same-sex marriage in many U.S. states. All five couples had at least one partner from New York, where a battle over the legalisation of gay marriage rages on.”

Stephane Chapin and Bertrand Charpentier, June 2004

Begles, France

Noel Mamere, the mayor of Begles in France’s Bordeaux region, officiated the wedding, which was annulled by the French high court in 2007. 

Matthew and Chris

Bill and Andrew Whitbread-Brown

Laura and Amanda

August 1, 2009

Melbourne, Australia

When Australian lawmakers voted against marriage equality, protesters gathered across the country. As part of the protest, some exchanged vows out in the streets, despite the lack of legal recognition. 

(Source: smh.com.au)

Michael Stark and Michael Leshner, June 10, 2003

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Known publicly as “The Michaels,” these two were trailblazers for marriage equality in Canada. 

Temistocles and Daniel, March 11, 2010

Mexico City, Mexico

These two were among the first same-sex couples to marry legally in Mexico City. Today marks their first anniversary and a year of marriage equality in Mexico City. 

Ross Zachs and Michael Miller, November 12, 2008

West Hartford, Connecticut

This couple married on the steps of the town hall before a crowd of supporters. They were one of the first couples to be legally married in Connecticut. 

Names Unknown, Jan. 22, 2011

Beijing, China

This couple has chosen not to reveal their identities publicly because their wedding has caused controversy. Theirs is reported to be Beijing’s first same-sex wedding. Read more here.