New Paltz village and town officials acknowledged the 20th anniversary of the same-sex weddings held there with a joint resolution last week to mark the historic quality of those ceremonies that changed the world forever.
In the resolution is laid out much of the events of that February 2004, when weddings held in the Peace Park were at the center of a media circus due to their novelty. Mayor Jason West married 27 couples before being arrested, spawning similar acts of civil disobedience throughout the state. Local ministers took up the marriage mantle after West was barred by a judge’s injunction. Ultimately, Judith Reichler and Jonathan Katz — then the town justices in New Paltz — threw out the cases against the mayor.
A celebration of these landmark events will be held this Sunday at Novella’s. Dubbed the “Love is Love Drag Brunch”, the party will be hosted by Veela Peculiar, with performances by Katarina Mitrage and DJ Xeon. One of the couples married at that time will be renewing their vows.
For ticket information, visit newpaltzpridecoalition.org. All proceeds from this event are being used to support the opening of the New Paltz Pride Center.
Join the family! 
