Indiana Gay Couples Tie The Knot In Symbolic Mass Ceremony Presided By Bloomington Mayor

Thirteen same-sex couples took to the stage of an Indiana theater Jan. 31 where they tied the knot in a dramatic ceremony aimed at protesting a proposed constitutional amendment banning marriage equality in their home state.

As the Indianapolis Star is reporting, the mass wedding was presided by Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan. Also in attendance were six members of the Bloomington City Council and two members of the Monroe County Council along with some local clergy, according to reports.

Though he acknowledged that the proceedings were purely symbolic, Kruzan nonetheless praised the event's significance. "I think it’s important for people to realize that there are a lot of people who depend on votes willing to stand up and say ‘This is what we would like to have the power to do,’” he told Indiana Public Media.

As the Associated Press pointed out, a constitutional gay marriage ban was approved by Indiana lawmakers in 2011, but it must pass a referendum before taking full effect.