A mass commitment ceremony for same-sex couples will be held within the San Diego festival grounds, at the main stage area, on the second day of the festival, at 2:00 p.m., July 27. The 20-minute ceremony, which attracts dozens of same-sex couples each year, will be presented by Metropolitan Community Church of San Diego and Dignity of San Diego — a chapter of the nation’s oldest and largest organization of GLBT Catholics.

The ceremony will be officiated by Rev. Houston Burnside and Minister Kaki Johnson, both of MCC, and Father Joe Palumbo of Dignity. A large “celebration cake” contributed by San Diego Pride will be served immediately after the event.

“The ceremony is not only an important part of Pride weekend, but it is a special moment in the lives of those who participate and commit to one another. We are pleased to be part of the ceremony,” said Tom Kirkman, a member and former president of Dignity San Diego.

“This event is especially important this year in light of the marriage law recently passed in Canada,” added Burnside. “It gives us a wonderful opportunity to re-emphasize our rights as citizens to marry the person we love.”

Additionally, The Center’s public policy department will host a domestic partnership registration table the same day, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m., near the main stage. Notaries and forms will be available for couples seeking to register for California’s domestic partnership benefits. Those interested must present a valid driver’s license.

The festival will be held at Marston Point in Balboa Park, from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m., July 26; and from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., July 27. Admission is $12 per day or $18 for a two-day pass.