Vallarta Pride LGBT Commitment Ceremony Vallarta Pride
May 15, 2014

Despite Jalisco governor, Aristóteles Sandoval, signaling he is not opposed to same sex unions, or gay marriage as it is more commonly known, same sex marriage is not yet legal in Jalisco.

The governor failed to expand on what was already a very vague statement so stopped short of committing himself to any palpable plan, dates for review or what exactly same sex unions would look like in a state where a reported 80 percent of the community attends church 1 Sunday in every 4.

Despite his lack of a clear plan or timelines, gays, lesbians and the nascent gay divorce lawyer community were cheered that the idea of gay marriage did not make the governor "physically sick" like it did his predecessor, according to an interview that received much coverage, but little criticism.

Irrespective of the legality of marriage, Vallarta Pride organizers are holding a mass same sex commitment ceremony that is open to all, regardless of gender or nationality.

The free event will be held at the Lido Beach Club on Saturday, May 24th, 2014 at 11:00 am and will be officiated by Maurice Monette and Adriana García.

Maurice Monette works as a management consultant for non-profit organizations preserving the environment in the Sea of Cortez. He is a painter and writer and the author of Confessions of a Gay Married Priest: A Spiritual Journey.

Adriana García is the Los Mangos Library Director. Originally from Mexico City, she has a long standing history of work with non-profit organizations. Adriana said that "while the service will not legally unite the couples in attendance, the event is being held to give the LGBT community an opportunity to participate in a rite of passage that many take for granted."

The event will be held at Los Muertos Beach, in the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone and will include a pre-ceremony reception from 11:00 to 11:45 am, with the mass commitment service following.

Couples in attendance will be photographed, be given a certificate of commitment and will be the welcome to enjoy the day at trendy beach club.

To register: Provide both names on Vallarta Pride's event page or send a private message via Facebook.

All registered couples will be entered into a draw to win a honeymoon package at Casa Cupula, an artisanal chocolate basket provided by Xocodiva, 500 pesos gift certificate at Café des Artistes and 1,000 pesos gift certificate from Trattoria Michel.

For more information, please visit Vallarta Pride.

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