“Marriage is the ultimate right”

Tonight the Metropolitan Community Church will celebrate the tenth anniversary of Canada’s first same-sex marriages, which were performed at the MCC on this day in 2001 by the Reverend Brent Hawkes. The Star has the story.

Joe Varnell and his husband Kevin Bourassa, as well as Anne and Elaine Vautour, were married in a highly controversial ceremony. Although the marriages would not legally be recognized by the province until 2003, the ceremony represents a major milestone for human rights and equality.

Both couples will renew their vows tonight, and Kate and I will be there. You may remember that this is just one of the reasons why we were excited and honoured to have the Reverend Hawkes officiate our wedding. It certainly didn’t hurt that the MCC is one of the most progressive and welcoming churches whose services we’ve ever attended.

We’ve since become monthly donors, and of course I encourage you to do the same. If you can make it down to the anniversary service tonight – or to any regular service in the near future – please consider doing so.

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