Same-sex couples have lived through a whirlwind of legislative loops and public debate regarding their right to marry. While advances have been made (including the legalization of gay marriage in several U.S. states and in parts of Europe and South America), dilemmas such as California's Proposition 8 remain unresolved or unacknowledged by government officials.
In spite of the turmoil, gay couples across the globe took to the altars this Valentine's Day in celebration of their love. While some were unable to legally marry, their actions speak to the community's determination to have their civil rights honored.
Photo: David McNew/Reuters
The Firsts
Lucky couples have been married each year on Valentine Day's on top of the Empire State Building for nearly two decades. This year, Lela McArthur, pictured on the left, and Stephanie Figarelle were one of the first same-sex couples to tie the official knot at the iconic New York landmark.
Photo: Andrew Burton/Reuters
Celebrating on Top of the World
Phil Fung, on the right, and Shawn Klein toast with champagne on the Empire State Building's observation deck following their ceremony. After being together for 18 years, the two were able to wed, thanks to the legalization of gay marriage in New York last June. Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the law, making New York the sixth and most populous U.S. state to approve gay marriage.
Photo: Andrew Burton/Reuters
Liberty and Justice for All. Er, Some.
Lori Campbell, left, and Maja Roble exit the East Los Angeles County Recorder's Office after being denied a marriage license on Valentine's Day. Same-sex marriage has not yet been restored in California, despite the United States Court of Appeals earlier this month declaring California's ban on same-sex marriage, Prop 8, unconstitutional.
Photo: David McNew/Reuters
United for Change
In Lima, Peru, the local gay community held a symbolic group wedding on Valentine’s Day. The group hoped that the wedding would draw attention and inspire change to Peru's ban on gay marriage.
Photo: Pilar Olivares/Reuters
No More Discrimination
A couple kiss at the Lima ceremony. Because Peruvian law does not recognize their union, this pair, like gay couples unable to marry in other countries, will have to wait for their civil rights to be recognized.
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