For Immediate Release.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA . – 5/11/04 – On June 1, 2004, one hundred couples in their wedding finery will be racing to West Hollywood, CA, crying “Get Me to The Abbey on Time!!” At 8:00pm that evening, the historic social spot The Abbey, will host a mass gay wedding celebration officiated by the city's Mayor   John Duran. The celebrations will also feature performances by the dance diva Pepper MaShay and the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles.

Couples from all over the United States are encouraged to join in and participate with us. You can register immediately by going to www.abbeywesthollywood.com GLAAD will be holding marriage training seminars on site for interested couples and will provide educational information to all attendees.

A portion of the marriage ceremony will be streamed live on Sundance Channel’s website (www.sundancechannel.com). There will also be a "Wedding Toast"   section   on sundancechannel.com where participating couples   can send matrimonial well wishes to friends and family not in attendance as well as have the opportunity to say why they have chosen to "tie the knot". Sundance Channel will also create a portrait of one couple as they go through the day to be shown on air throughout the month of June as part of the cable network's annual "OUT LOUD" month of gay programming. Sundance Channel will also provide “wedding gifts” for   each of the   newlywed couples in attendance.

Sundance Channel Senior Vice President Marketing, Kirk Iwanowski, said "What it means to be gay in America today has never been more in question. We're committed to showcasing the diverse make-up of the LGBT community with the 6th Annual Out Loud FilmFest and the June 1 event at The Abbey is the perfect launching pad. Stay tuned… depending upon the progress made in the California State Supreme Court later this month on the legality of gay marriage - this event could be cause celebre or cause for demonstration within the gay community"

Mayor Duran has offered his support, officially proclaiming, “ "The City of West Hollywood supports marriages for same sex couples and is working hard to change California law. Although we do not yet have equal protection under the law, no government can prevent us from loving whom we choose.”

The symbolism of The Abbey's name has not gone unnoticed by patrons or its owner, David Cooley, who is donating his architecturally stunning "old world" space for the event.

The Abbey has been known as a celebrity haunt for everyone from Janet Jackson to Christina Aguilera. It has won numerous accolades. Los Angeles Magazine hails The Abbey as "The Best Gay Bar to Bring a Straight Friend To," in its annual 101 Things We Love issue, plus West Hollywood Awards deemed it "Outstanding Restaurant and Bar for   2003."

More info or to sign-up Go to The Abbey in West Hollywood, California