Wedding Bell Blues

Online extra: Wedding Bell Blues: Marriage remains part ofPride

Three years ago at this time, same-sex couples in the Golden State were marrying after the California Supreme Court declared the Prop 22 same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional. There was much joy in the streets that year at the Pride Parade, although it was clear there would be a ballot measure in the fall. The Secretary of State had not yet assigned the number to what would become Proposition 8.

Ultimately, about 18,000 same-sex couples tied the knot. But in November 2008, the state's voters passed Prop 8, inserting a ban on same-sex marriage into the state's Constitution. Those couples who had wed during the five-month period saw those marriages upheld a year later, although the court also upheld Prop 8.

Fast forward to 2011. A federal court case over the constitutionality of Prop 8 is under way, and there is renewed optimism.

There doesn't seem like much of a groundswell for a return to the ballot to undo the anti-gay measure, based on reports coming out of the recent town halls organized by Equality California. However, marriage equality continues to be a major issue.

John Lewis, legal analyst for Marriage Equality USA, said his group would be marching in the parade Sunday, June 26.

"The mood is tremendously optimistic, actually," said Lewis, 52. He and Stuart Gaffney, 48, were one of the couples married in the summer of 2008. "There's palpable excitement right now in the air, with the possibility that New York is going to have marriage equality" soon. He was referring to that state's lawmakers being expected to vote on legalizing same-sex marriage this week.

Everyone is invited to join MEUSA in the parade. The organization will also be hosting the Marriage Equality Pavilion both Saturday, June 25 and Sunday in the heart of the Civic Center at the back of the grass, directly across from the main stage.

"Come meet leaders in the movement, get answers to questions you may have, learn how you can get involved, and have fun with other marriage equality supporters," the group said in a statement. "We'll be operating a mini marriage equality stage where you'll have the opportunity to play the newlywed game and find out how well you really know your partner, fiance, or spouse."

Couples will also be able to exchange or renew their vows on stage, with City Hall in the background.

Out4Immigration will also be in the parade.

"This is a time to turn out in the streets and demand that our government policies stop singling our families out for the cruel treatment we've been expected to live under, because of [the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act] for far too long," a statement from the group said. "Our relationships are worth feeling proud about and worth celebrating.

Ramblings From A KUPL Listener: Wedding Bell Blues

&Nbsp;Today’s “Simon in the Morning” show focused primarily on the upcoming wedding of Scott Simon’s daughter.  Scott said he wants his daughter to have the wedding she wants; however, he wished there was a more inexpensive way to do it.   He didn’t understand why there had to be a full, sit-down dinner at the reception, instead of just cake and punch. Maybe it’s like Jolynn said, it seems those of us in the older generation have no problem with just cake, or a potluck; while the younger generation seems to want more.  I have no problem going to a wedding and just having cake and punch.  Then again, I don’t go to that many weddings, and when I do, it’s not for the food; it’s to see the couple getting married.  Honestly, isn’t that why it’s called a “wedding”?   People have weddings to share their special moment with friends and family.  The reception comes later, as a courtesy, (in my opinion), of the couple.  It’s a way of thanking everyone for coming to the wedding. If it was called a “reception”, THEN you could have the big, fancy, sit-down dinner, open bar, the works; and for extra entertainment for the guests, throw in a wedding.  Another topic that came up in the discussion this morning was where did all these traditions come from?   Some were easy to explain, like the parents paying for the wedding.  It probably evolved from when brides used to have a dowry.  To honor a suitor wanting to marry a man’s daughter, the man’s family would throw in a “bonus”; usually a goat, or something useful like that.   Things aren’t like that now however.  It seems as the times have changed, so have the traditions.  Nowadays, the family of the bride is expected to pay for the wedding; while the groom’s family is responsible for the rehearsal dinner.  Well, at least that’s how it was when *I* got married.  Not sure it’s even that way anymore. Then again, when I got married, my husband to be and I paid for it ourselves.  We felt that if *we* were the ones getting married, then *we* should be the ones to pay for it.  And we had a nice wedding, with everything the way we wanted it.  Okay, we got a little crazy; we didn’t have just cake and punch at our reception.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell Blues