Last Friday (28) a community wedding was held in São Paulo with 47 homosexual couples at the Centro de Tradições Nordestinas (CTN).
In addition to the ecumenical act, celebrated by the reverend Cristiano Valério, from the Metropolitan Community Church, and the evangelical pastor Lanna Holder, the couples were able to sign the stable union papers free of charge.
The initiative for the event came from the Secretariat of Justice and the Defense of Citizenship of the Government of the State of São Paulo, through the Citizenship Integration Center (CIC) and the Coordination of Sexual Diversity. The CTN provided the space for the wedding, which also had the support of the 29th Civil Registry Office.
Renata Abreu, CEO of CTN, gave an emotional speech at the opening of the event. "The homosexual community is also very present here at the Centro de Tradições Nordestinas. We have observed that the community has changed. So nothing more fair than this recognition that they are already asking for. The ecumenical celebration today marks an achievement for this right, for this equality, which is a milestone for the recognition of these citizens", said Renata.
Representative Jean Wyllys (PSOL-RJ) and Heloísa Arruda, Secretary of Justice of the State of São Paulo, were also present. The deputy took the opportunity to campaign in favor of Equal Marriage. "Leaving only stable unions to homosexuals is a ghetto situation. We want the same rights with the same names. It has an effect of social recognition. Conversion into marriage promotes social recognition and ends prejudice", claimed Wyllys.
The couples entered one by one and took their places in front of the stage, next to their respective witnesses. They were then called to the stage to sign the papers.
The first couple to register their union was Priscila Pires da Silva, aged 24, and Kathrein Marrechi, aged 31, who had been together for two years. The two had never had a homosexual relationship before they met. Now, they intend to go to court to obtain the right to civil marriage.
Priscila and Kathrein: 2-year union made official
After the girls, it was the turn of a couple of men who had been together for 24 years to celebrate their union. The other 45 couples followed the same process, accompanied by the soundtrack, which ranged from instrumental music to singers singing Whitney Houston classics. There were 32 female couples and 15 male couples.
To end in style, as with every wedding, a party couldn't be missed, led by Silvetty Montilla and sound from DJs Mauro Boges, Jéssica Angell, Shirley Carvalho and Sandra Bull. In the album you can see more photos from the wedding.
