Told in their own words, this is the true story of the first gay couple in the world to be issued a marriage certificate and their fight for government recognition. Kevin Bourassa and Joe Varnell made international news headlines and human rights history in January 2001 when they became the first gay couple anywhere in the world to be issued a government marriage certificate. They did this according to a well-established Christian tradition — the reading of the banns — which has been incorporated into provincial law in Canada. The Metropolitan Community Church has since launched a lawsuit seeking government registration of the marriage, thus removing the last restriction on equal treatment of homosexuals under the law. It is expected that the case will go to the Supreme Court of Canada. Despite the legal and political wrangling, the attacks of some churches against others, and the glare of the media lights, this remains a story of two people who chose to make a life together and sought the support of both church and state for their marriage. They believe they have taken part in an event that will expand human rights, not just for Canadians, but for citizens, families, and communities everywhere. “Homosexuals are equal members of society, entitled to the same rights as anyone else. Why, then, should they be denied the right to marry?” — The Globe and Mail “Saying marriage is a privilege reserved only for those who are lucky enough to be heterosexual is akin to saying it’s reserved for whites only. It’s unfair to bar an entire group of people from an institution because of something they cannot change.” — Toronto Sun