Toronto announces attempt to break world record for largest mass gay wedding
Toronto’s deputy mayor has announced an attempt to break a world record for the world’s largest mass gay wedding.
Norm Kelly – second-in-command to the scandal-hit Toronto mayor Rob Ford – made the announcement at a press conference alongside Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam today.
The city is aiming for 200 LGBT couples to take part in the mass wedding, which is due to be held at World Pride, on June 26.
The mass wedding will take place at Casa Loma, one of Canada’s only castles and a usually expensive wedding venue.
Wong-Tam said at a press conference: “We’ve made international headlines perhaps for the wrong reasons.
“I think that it is time for us to show a different face of Toronto – demonstrate that this is a city of equality and inclusive values, a city that celebrates all of its diverse communities.”
Kelly said: “We’re inviting all LGBTQ and two-spirited couples from across the world, in love and commitment, to get married here in the beautiful grounds of historic Casa Loma, as part of World Pride’s Celebrations.”
The event, which will be available free aside from marriage license fees, will have Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, New Thought, and Humanist officiants to provide nuptials to couples.
Couples will be allowed to bring four guests to the reception, which will include cocktails, dinner and dancing.
The current record for a mass gay wedding is held by Rio de Janeiro, where 130 pairs got married in December.
Same-sex marriage has been legal across Canada since 2005, though it was first legalised in Ontario in June 2003.