Two Canadian men have married in the country's first legal same-sex wedding.
It happened just hours after an Ontario appeals court ruled that Canada's ban on homosexual marriage was unconstitutional.
The appeals panel declared the current legal definition of marriage invalid and ordered Toronto's city clerk to issue marriage licenses to the homosexual couples involved in the case.
Shortly afterward, Michael Leshner and Michael Stark wed in a civil ceremony observed by Leshner's 90-year-old mother and about 50 friends and observers, most of them from the news media.
"We're blissfully happy," said Mr Leshner, after exchanging rings with his partner of 22 years and offering a champagne toast outside the courthouse.
It was the latest in a series of court rulings against the federal ban, increasing pressure on Prime Minister Jean Chretien's government to change the law or let the ruling stand.
The government can appeal yesterday's decision to Canada's Supreme Court, an option Mr Chretien said the government would have to study further before deciding.
Mr Leshner, a lawyer, said it would be impossible for Canada to return to the limited definition of marriage regardless of whether the government appeals.
"The argument's over," he said. "No more political discussion, we've won. ... It's a great day for Canada."
A Parliament committee is studying the matter, and opinion polls indicate a slight majority of Canadians favour legalizing same-sex marriages. Heritage Minister Sheila Copps said it was time to change the marriage definition to reflect modern social mores.
PA