Same-sex couples flock for marriages during Philadelphia Pride Parade

Philadelphia judges Daniel Anders (center right, in robes) and  Ann Butchart (center left, in robes) conducted marriage ceremonies for 13 couples at Independence Square Park this afternoon. Credit: Sam Newhouse/Metro Philadelphia judges Daniel Anders (center right, in robes) and Ann Butchart (center left, in robes) conducted marriage ceremonies for 13 couples at Independence Square Park this afternoon. Credit: Sam Newhouse/Metro

Philadelphia judges officially wed 13 same-sex couples today as part of the Philadelphia Pride Parade.

Same-sex marriage was legalized in Pennsylvania in May by a federal district judge’s ruling on a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania on behalf of couples who wanted their out-of-state marriage licenses recognized at home.

Couples embrace after they are simultaneously wed by Philadelphia judges during the Pride Parade this afternoon on Market Street near Independence Square Park. Credit: Sam Newhouse/Metro Couples embrace after they are simultaneously wed by Philadelphia judges during the Pride Parade this afternoon on Market Street near Independence Square Park. Credit: Sam Newhouse / Metro

“If I could be assigned to spend the next eight years doing eight hours a day of weddings, I would do it,” said Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Ann Butchart after performing ceremonies for the couples at the parade today.

Judge Ann Butchart performs a private ceremony after the vows given en masse on Market Street for Tony (left) and Ray, who have been together for nine years and were married today. Credit: Sam Newhouse/Metro Judge Ann Butchart performs a private ceremony after the vows given en masse on Market Street for Tony (left) and Ray, who have been together for nine years and were married today. Credit: Sam Newhouse / Metro

The parade proceeded from 13th and Locust starting at noon today to Penn’s Landing, where a festival is currently ongoing and will feature a headline performance by the Village People.

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