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Over 100 Gay & Lesbian Couples Tie The Knot
AT THE ABBEY’S MASS GAY WEDDING JUNE 1, 2004 WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA
View the Ceremony [Archived Streaming]

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - June 1, 2004 - More than 100 gay and lesbian couples tied the knot at The Abbey in West Hollywood Tuesday night in a mass ceremony conducted by mayor John Duran and seen around the world. "Although we do not yet have equal protection under the law, no government can prevent us from loving whom we choose," Duran said. The Abbey owner David Cooley, who donated his food & bar for the event added "Hopefully someday, ceremonies here at The Abbey and nationwide won't be merely symbolic."

The event, part party - part protest - part wedding - part commitment ceremony, to kick off the cable station's month long salute to gay Pride. Toasting the couples was comic Margaret Cho. "I don't know why conservatives are so against gay marriage. It would be the perfect solution to Bush's economy and jobs failures. Income from ice sculptures alone could pay off the National Debt"

Dance diva Pepper MaShay and the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles also performed. GLAAD was on hand to offer a quick seminar on gay marriage and California's Registered Domestic Partner law. At the end of the 25-minute ceremony, the city gave participating couples symbolic certificates commemorating the event.

» View the wedding ceremony pictures
» View the Ceremony [Archived Streaming]
» Sundance Channel "OUTLOUD"

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Abbey Media Contact
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