Philadelphia judges Daniel Anders (center right, in robes) and Ann Butchart (center left, in robes) conducted marriage ceremonies for 13 couples at Independence Square Park this afternoon. Credit: Sam Newhouse/Metro
Philadelphia judges officially wed 13 same-sex couples today as part of the Philadelphia Pride Parade.
Same-sex marriage was legalized in Pennsylvania in May by a federal district judge’s ruling on a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania on behalf of couples who wanted their out-of-state marriage licenses recognized at home.
Couples embrace after they are simultaneously wed by Philadelphia judges during the Pride Parade this afternoon on Market Street near Independence Square Park. Credit: Sam Newhouse / Metro
“If I could be assigned to spend the next eight years doing eight hours a day of weddings, I would do it,” said Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Ann Butchart after performing ceremonies for the couples at the parade today.
Judge Ann Butchart performs a private ceremony after the vows given en masse on Market Street for Tony (left) and Ray, who have been together for nine years and were married today. Credit: Sam Newhouse / Metro
The parade proceeded from 13th and Locust starting at noon today to Penn’s Landing, where a festival is currently ongoing and will feature a headline performance by the Village People.
Check back later for more photos and info.
