Ceremony big step for gay rights: commissioner
Last Updated: Monday, July 10, 2006 | 1:06 PM AT
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P.E.I.'s first private marriage commissioner has performed his first ceremony, and he's calling it a significant step for gay rights on the Island.
Jim Culbert, owner of the Rainbow Lodge in Vernon Bridge, married a same-sex couple from the Island on Friday.
"It's great to be able to see people finally getting things that they really would like in their life and not have to hide about it," Culbert told CBC News.
"You know, they can be openly married and go home and say, 'Hey, you know, we really are people.'"
When the province changed the rules in early June to allow for private marriage commissioners, Culbert was the first to apply. He said everyone has the right to marry, and that's why he applied for the job.
"I've been working for gay and lesbian rights for many years and this is just another step to have equality for us," he said.
Culbert has five more marriages booked this summer, including a double wedding later in the year.
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