Gay Military Wedding in Spain

SEVILLE, SPAIN -- Alberto Linero, 27, and Alberto Sanchez, 24, both privates in the Spanish air force, got married in a ceremony at Seville's town hall Friday, AP repots. The grooms both wore dark blue dress uniforms with red and gold epaulets, and sealed their union with gold rings and a long kiss.

Beatriz Gimeno, president of Spain's Federation of Gays and Lesbians, believes the wedding to be the first marriage between two same-sex members of the Spanish armed forces.

There are no laws against gays and lesbians serving openly in the Spanish military, and several active service members have come out in the past. The Defense Ministry considers the wedding a personal matter and has said the men will be allowed to continue with their careers.

Seville Mayor Alfredo Sanchez Monteseirin, who married the men, said their wedding marked a victory for gay people everywhere who have suffered discrimination.

"This is not just your wedding. You symbolize millions of people who are not here and suffer from homophobia," Sanchez Monteseirin said. "The city will protect your rights."

According to the Spanish Justice Ministry, more than 4,500 same-sex couples have married since gay marriage was legalized in July 2005.