Mayor Plans To Wed LGBT Couples In Group Ceremony
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Mayor Bill Peduto will marry a select few LGBT couples planning to tie the knot after last week's federal court decision, in a group ceremony.
The ceremony will be held at a park in Downtown Pittsburgh during the city's PrideFest on June 15.
In the wake of last week's ruling on gay marriage, Mayor Peduto said he wanted the first marriage he officiated to be one for same-sex couples.
"In the first few hours it was announced, we had more than 50 couples contact us and now we're in the process of having to decide which 20 - and then reaching out to some magistrate friends and maybe the county executive as well to officiate some of the other services," Peduto said.
The ceremony will take place in Triangle Park Downtown between Fifth and Liberty Avenues - adjacent to the Fairmont Hotel. A reception for the couples, their families and friends will follow in the lobby of the Fairmont.
"The overwhelming support that has come since the judge's decision has been very welcoming. Pittsburgh is a city that has a heart," Peduto said.
Last week, Pennsylvania became the 19th state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to allow gay couples to marry.
After Gov. Tom Corbett decided against pursuing an appeal in the case, it opened the door for same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses. It also compelled the state to recognize same sex-marriages from other jurisdictions.
"Anybody who loves one another and wishes to be married should have that opportunity and now in the state of Pennsylvania they will," Peduto said. "So, any couple that is looking to be married, as mayor, I will be more than proud to be officiating that service.
Couple interested in participating in the mayor-officiated group ceremony can contact Communications Manager Tim McNulty at timothy.mcnulty@pittsburghpa.gov.
RELATED LINKS
Gov. Corbett Won't Appeal Same-Sex Marriage Case
Same-Sex Couples Line Up For Marriage Licenses
Federal Judge Rules Pa. Gay Marriage Ban Is Unconstitutional
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