Toronto Plans To Break World Record With Same-Sex Marriage Event

Government officials in Toronto, Ontario, Canada have announced plans to hold a huge same-sex marriage ceremony in June. Ideally, there will be at least 200 couples that participate. If that happens, the same sex marriage will break the world record for such a ceremony. The current record is held by Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where 130 couples tied the knot simultaneously last year.

The same-sex marriage event will be held during Toronto’s World Pride events, and is scheduled to take place on June 26. Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam is an openly gay member of Toronto’s political landscape, and during a recent press conference, she was quoted in the Toronto Sun as saying that this celebration will be Toronto’s opportunity to “roll out the rainbow carpet” and demonstrate a desire to be inclusive as the world looks on.

Same sex couples who are interested in taking part in this record-breaking attempt will have the advantage of getting married in Casa Loma, which is distinctive because it’s one of the only castles in Canada. It’s usually known as an expensive wedding venue, but in this case, it’ll be free for the same-sex couples, who will just have to pay for the fees associated with marriage licenses.

The marriage ceremony will also cater to people of many different faiths. Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, New Thought and Humanist officials will be on hand to oversee the nuptials and help people enjoy unions that match their particular religious beliefs.

After getting married, the same-sex couples will get to enjoy a reception that will feature dinner and cocktails, plus dancing. Each couple will be allowed to bring four guests to witness the special occasion and share in the fun that seems sure to follow.

Liberty Entertainment Group is responsible for running Casa Loma, and representatives there estimate the cost of the event will be $25,000 to $30,000 in total. However, organizers emphasize there will be no expenses billed to the city of Toronto.

Wong-Tam believes this same-sex marriage event can help positively change current perceptions, especially after Mayor Rob Ford made some homophobic remarks and opposed flying a pride flag during the Sochi Olympics.

“Since the 1970’s we’ve been very proactive at advancing sexual orientation equality rights for sexual minorities,” she said. “It can’t be undone with just one person.”

This same-sex marriage event certainly seems like a step in the right direction for proving that assertion, and it’s a great chance for couples to show their commitment to each other in a very public arena, while also helping break a world record.