KANSAS: Mass Gay Wedding To Take Place In Wichita On First Day Of Legalization

Late Wednesday afternoon the Supreme Court lifted its stay on same-sex marriage in Kansas, resulting in several weddings the next day after judges waived the mandatory three-day waiting period. For others that obtained their wedding licenses on Thursday, a mass gay wedding will take place tomorrow in Wichita, the state's largest city. Via that city's ABC affiliate:

On Monday, many couples will be able to legally marry in the State of Kansas. In honor of those who have waited for so long, more than 10 members of the Wichita clergy will conduct a mass wedding ceremony. The historic moment will fall on the footsteps of the Historic Sedgwick County Courthouse on the 500th block of north Main. The wedding will take place at 5 p.m. Monday on the west side of the building. "Some of them have been together, years and years, decades. To finally have that opportunity, this is a huge, huge day," said Carolyn Schwarz, senior minister of Pine Valley Christian Church. "We don't want to make any extra expense or any extra hoops that they have to jump through and make it easy as possible," echoed Jackie Carter, pastor of the First Metropolitan Community Church. "What a great thing that they won't have to spend all of these days feeling less than. That they can right away be honored and respected as equal partners."

Those wishing to participate need only bring their marriage license to the courthouse by 4:45PM. A reception will immediately follow at the Fantasy Complex, which promises to provide "all the traditional wedding fixtures" including cake. There's a Facebook event page for the ceremony. JMG reader Travis will be on hand to supply us with photos.