Here's what my church will be doing Friday morning:

"Gay couples to seek marriage here in protest against state law"

By Mark I. Pinsky | Orlando Sentinel Staff Writer
March 18, 2004, 12:36 PM EST

Nine gay couples will apply for marriage licenses Friday at the Orange County Courthouse, according to the Rev. Marni Harmony, of the First Unitarian Church of Orlando.

"This is our faith-based initiative," said Harmony.

All of the couples expect to be turned down, Harmony said, consistent with Florida state law, which bans state-sanctioned gay marriage and domestic partnerships.

The goal of the event, Harmony said, is "to raise our awareness of marriage as a matter of civil right."

Two of the gay couples have already taken part in domestic-union ceremonies in Vermont, where such ceremonies are legal.

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We will have at least 10 straight couples renewing their vows during the wedding ceremony.

What do you all think? I am a board member of the church, by the way. I'll be online for a few more hours to answer questions (it's 11:09 Eastern time).

Blackcatter.