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Emily Scheer, a human relations senior, and Sarah Tilton held hands under an orange-and-white balloon archway and pledged their commitment to one another on the steps in front of the George Washington statue on the Main Mall on Thursday afternoon. Their "marriage" was blessed by the Rev. Jim Rigby, pastor of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
About 50 "marriage certificates" were issued by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Affairs Agency at the Weddings for Marriage Equality demonstration. The demonstration was also sponsored by the Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas and the Austin Coalition for Marriage Equality.
These certificates affirmed the couples' "conviction that no couple should should be denied the right to marry and, by participating in these Weddings for Marriage Equality, demonstrate their commitment to equality."
Two blocks of chairs set up on the South Mall framed a white-runnered aisle that led up to the archway.
One by one, couples of various sexual orientations and varying levels of commitment, decked out in bow ties, vintage wedding gowns and veils, accompanied by best men and maids of honor, walked down the aisle. They took their places in front of Rigby and expressed their commitment to one another and to the cause of equality.
"We're not staging this as a Las Vegas-style wedding chapel," Rigby said. "We're talking about faithful relationships. Marriage is not about sexuality or making babies."
Before blessing the couples, Rigby asked if they understood what they were doing, and if they were sincerely committed to being faithful, lifelong, respectful, nurturing, honest, communal and socially responsible.
Tilton and Scheer have been together for two-and-a-half years.
"I haven't met anyone else that I love hanging out with all the time," Scheer said of Tilton.
Tilton reciprocated her affection, and the couple sealed their bond with a kiss.
"I can tell, as a minister, that you don't often see that kind of love in people's eyes," Rigby said, as wedding watchers applauded.
Scheer and Tilton said they will be celebrating the occasion with some alcohol and a small reception.
In addition to romantic couples, Rigby blessed friendships of people committed to the equality cause.
Nicole Monsibais, a public relations sophomore, and Jose Luis Rodriguez, an electrical engineering sophomore, got "married" as Grace "Nicole" Adler and Will "Jose Luis" Truman.
"I support gay marriages," Monsibais said. "I'm here to show my support for my friend when he's ready."
Alexis Summers and Caitlin Hammer, two "really good friends," pledged themselves as partners in the fight for justice.
Karl-Thomas Musselman, co-director of GLBTAAA, said the demonstration showed that there is a difference between legal marriage and religious marriage.
"We're not asking to interfere with the church." Musselman said. "We want the legal rights of marriage."
Organizers estimated bet-ween 150 and 200 people came together to show their community support for equal marriages. In addition to certificates, newlyweds were given pins that read "Just Married ... someday."
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