Brian Tuck

Anne and Elaine Vautour, along with Joe Varnell and Kevin Bourassa took part in a group ceremony last Friday, Jan 14th, 2011, to celebrate their tenth year together as Canada's first same-sex married couples.

On January 14th, 2001, the two couples were escorted by police to Riverdale's Metropolitan Community Church in Toronto, Ontario for their joint ceremony. It was a day of mixed emotions for the two couples and their families, a day of celebration and happiness became also one of fear.

Reverend Brent Hawkes, who performed the service was also escorted to the church that day.  He wore a bulletproof vest on the alter as the couples said their vows. A divided sea of protestors and supporters waited outside, along with 50 police officers to protect the guests and their wedding parties.  A bomb threat earlier that day had a security check point in place for guests entering the church. Times sure have changed.

Since then, it is believed over 7500 same sex couples have married in Canada. Last Friday's joint celebration was a reminder how these first two couples helped changed the course of civil rights. The longevity of their lasting marriages attest to the strength of same-sex love. The only thing that's changed is perhaps their love has grown stronger and there were no protestors outside the church this time. Here is to another ten years.

Source: CBC.ca, CTV.ca, Photo Source: Kevin Frayer