From: Proyecto Agenda
Venezuela

Six couples got married during the first homosexual marriage The ceremony took place at the Metropolitan Church of Venezuela ANSA Agency, Caracas. – Four women couples, one male couple, and one heterosexual couple, were part of the religious event that took place recently.

Andreína Fuentes, the event coordinator explained that the unions only have symbolic value because Venezuelan law prohibits same sex weddings. “It is not a wedding, it is a universal blessing that the Metropolitan Church of Venezuela issues”, said Ms. Fuentes. However, Inés Álvarez was pleased by the idea of the wedding, “Throwing yourself in the water sounds so good”, she confessed as she toasted with her partner Yenitza Pérez. Rodrigo Navarrete, alongside his partner CésarGonzález, wanted to highlight the act they had participated in: “We have been together for almost 21 years, we got married 2 and a half years ago in the United States, but we came here a symbolic ceremony like this one is important and it sets a precedent, a guide and a need for openness in the country”.

The Metropolitan Church of Venezuela began its activities on September 2000 and it originates from the Metropolitan Communities Universal Fraternity of Churches, created on October 1968 in Los Angeles, California, and it is now in 29 countries. Despite the fact that it promotes Christian values, it distinguishes itself from the other religions by approving same sex unions.

César Núñez, who officiated the ceremony, is certain the event will generate controversy, but he trusts that it will help eliminate sexual discriminations. “We are making history”, he stated.