April 2004 October 2003
EGN
Erie Pride weekend pages 9-12
Erie Gay News
Erie couple weds in San Francisco “It’s not just a movement, it’s our lives.” Leslie Sadley and Julie Metzler were married in San Francisco on March 1, 2004. The couple had originally planned to be have a civil ceremony in New England this summer. Then President Bush indicated his disapproval of same-sex marriage during his State of the Union address. In early February, San Francisco’s Mayor Gavin Newsom responded by authorizing such marriages to be performed in his city. Over the next month, some 3,700 couples would be married at San Francisco's city hall. Leslie and Julie were moved by these events and decided that this was the right time for them. “We realized that the marriage wouldn’t be recognized in Pennsylvania,” said Leslie, “and that legal measures may be taken to annul it some time in the future. But we felt that it was important to go and take advantage of this opportunity to show our support. Ultimately, I believe that change is taking place because the cause is becoming real ...there are faces and names, couples who are in love and committed to one another. It’s not just a movement, it’s our lives. And when people are made aware of the legal implications of marriage and the protection that we are denied, I hope that will compel them to act.” The ceremony took place at San Francisco City Hall. Flower bouquets and wedding cake had been donated to the couples by anonymous supporters. After the ceremony, Leslie and Julie went sightseeing.
Erie Gay News wishes the happy couple many years of joy!
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Julie Metzler ~ Leslie Sadley Julie Metzler (left) and Leslie Sadley (right) exchanged vows on March 1 in San Francisco, California. Julie is a counselor, and a graduate of Edinboro University, who is presently working on her Masters in Social Work. Leslie works in advertising and is a bartender at The Village, and is a graduate of Mercyhurst College. Julie and Leslie have been together for three and a half years. They live in Erie, and plan to have a honeymoon in New England this summer.