60 couples tie the knot in mass gay wedding in Puerto Rico
More than 60 couples have tied the knot in Puerto Rico’s first ever mass gay wedding.
Equality came to the US territory this year, after the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right. A subsequent court order brought weddings into effect in mid-July, with the first weddings on July 17.
Almost exactly one month since the first weddings took place, a group of over 60 couples gathered in the capital of San Juan to tie the knot.
While the majority of the couples present were from Puerto Rico, many from neighbouring Caribbean countries also took advantage of the newly-liberalised laws. Couples travelled from as far as the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Venezuela married in the mass wedding.
Rights campaigner Ada Conde said: “This is a historic event for all of Puerto Rico.
“This is not a show. This is not a parade. This is a solemn event to celebrate the fruit of our sacrifice.”
One of those marrying was Maritza Lopez – finally allowed to wed her partner of 39 years, after leading the charge as a plaintiff in a legal challenge urging for equality.
She said: “You would think that after 39 years I wouldn’t be nervous, but I am. have butterflies in my stomach. I didn’t think any of this was going to happen so quickly.”
LGBT Puerto Rico, which fights for equality on the island, snapped many photos of the event.
(Photos: LGBT Puerto Rico)
