All posts tagged with: Marriage

In 1846, just as Dallas was finding its roots as a small village, it became a popular stopping point for many Methodists along their circuit rides. It took over 20 years, but after land was donated money was raised, and plans began to build the First United Methodist Church.

Unfortunately the American Civil War delayed the construction, and by the time the war was over, all the money to build the church was gone. However, the members of the church were determined, and in November 1868, Lamar Street, in downtown Dallas, become the home of the Methodist Church.

In 1879 a fire broke out in the church and it was destroyed. It took another 10 years to finance and build a replacement, which was dedicated five years later, in 1894.

Throughout the early 20^th century the congregation continued with strong growth, with over 3,440 members after the First Methodist and Trinity Methodist churches combined in 1926. In 1927, a new church was dedicated.

The current church, the First United Methodist Church, has played an instrumental role in the formation of other Methodist churches in northern Texas, and continues with their active in mission work, service, and worship, while honouring the traditions of the founders.

The church is open to the public on a limited basis. The sanctuary has beautiful wood pews, brass railings, a large pipe organ, and vaulted ceilings. The Church is available for weddings – perhaps even gay marriage when the United States and/or the State of Texas finally legalizes same-sex marriage!

The issue of same-sex marriage in Canada was finally put to rest in 2004 as the Canadian government passed legislation granting equal rights for gay and lesbian couples to marry.

In the heart of Montreal is Notre Dame Basilica; an impressive Catholic cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows, ornate hand-crafted wood carvings, and an impressive illuminated alter.

Notre Dame is open to the public on a daily basis and welcomes all to see the sanctuary for a $5 entry free. It is also available for special events and weddings.

“Unfortunately, we do not celebrate marriage between two person of the same sex,” said Daniela Staffa, Weddings Coordinator at Notre Dame Basilica.

So while the rest of Canada, including many churches, Notre Dame is one location you’ll want to cross off your gay wedding venues of choice. Seems the Catholics still don’t want to recognize equal rights of all Canadians, even though the Canadian government does.

It was a long, hard battle, but in 2004, the gay and lesbian community in Canada celebrated as same-sex marriage became law across the nation. Eight years later, our cousins to the south in the United States of America are still fighting for their rights for same-sex marriage.

Over the past two years, there has been a slow and steady movement. New York and Washington States for instance voted and passed the marriage law, and Proposition 8 was over-turned due in part to the ever successful and growing NOH8 campaign.

Same sex marriage is a contentious issue for a few, but for most, it’s long over-due.

“I think the whole thing is ridiculous,” said Manila  Luzon, one of the most adored contestants of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as she voiced her feeling on the progress the United States has made on same-sex marriage the last few years. “Honestly, the issue of gay marriage will eventually resolve itself and is going to be just another equal rights movement we’ll read about in our history books.”

True, it is just a matter of time. Many people have been working long and hard to help secure the equal rights of all Americans.

“I have no doubt it’s going to happen just because it’s what’s right,” Manila continued. “Hopefully what I offer to the movement is by being a positive figure of the gay community.”

Thank you Manila for your stand for equal rights and same-sex marriage.

On the main stage in front of thousands of fans, West Hollywood Mayor, Jeffrey Prang, officially welcomed Lil’ Kim to West Hollywood, and thanked her for her support of the LGBT community. It was all part of the LA Pride celebrations on Saturday, June 9 in West Hollywood, California.

Grammy Award winner and actress, Lil’ Kim, is one of the largest female rap artists of her time, with platinum records in 1997 and 2000, two Soul Train / Lady of Soul awards, and was The Source Hip-Hop Music Awardee for Female Artist of the Year in 2003.

The City of West Hollywood recognized Lil’ Kim for her dedication to supporting the LGBT community and for her support of gay marriage. Lil’ Lim performed for thousands of her fans at the 42^nd Annual LA Pride Festival on June 9, 2012.

West Hollywood proudly celebrated their 42^nd annual pride June 8-11. They hosted the world’s first pride parade in the world and are one of the largest pride events in the United States.

Across the globe, there are ten countries that legally recognize same sex / gender neutral marriage. Here is a brief breakdown of the marriage laws:

• 2000: Netherlands was the first country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage, which came into effect on April 1, 2001.
• 2002: The Province of British Columbia legalized and granted the rights of same-sex marriage.
• 2003: Belgium was the second country to grant same-sex marriages
• 2005: Spain declares same-sex marriage rights. A weeks later, Canada’s Prime Minister and Liberal government officially recognize same-sex marriage across Canada.
• 2006: South Africa signs same-sex marriage into law.
• 2008: Norway approves a gender-neutral marriage law that came into effect on January 1, 2009.
• 2009: Sweeden adopted gender-neutral marriage laws.
• 2010: On June 10, same-sex marriage became legal in Portugal. A day later, on June 11, Iceland’s government approved same-sex marriage. Just weeks later, on July 15, Argentina follows suit, however, they do not have the support of the Catholic Church.

After a long, uphill battle with many court cases and levels of government involved, Canada has become a leader and influencer on the global stage for same sex marriage.

In early 2012, Canada’s Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, openly declared same sex marriage will not be re-opened for discussion in the House, reassuring Canadians that the rights of the LGBT community are here to stay.