Amsterdam Marries Dutch-New York Homosexual Couples

Gay pride and bride

Amsterdam has long led the charge for gay rights as the first in the world to legalize same-sex marriages. Gay, straight or taken, the city is proud to honour and welcome one and all in its commitment to openness and tolerance. This Saturday, Amsterdam is set to renew that vow and toast its 400-year long relationship with New York by marrying five homosexual partners on a boat, presided by Mayor Job Cohen. These unions will be legally binding.

Deputy mayor joins parade

The global block-party is on! Among delegates who recently attended Gay Pride NY was Deputy Mayor and Alderperson Carolien Gehrels, who is also married to a woman. While on location the I Do campaign, created by agency Falk & Sun’s to promote the ceremony - was given its star-spangled roll-out as the rainbow parade drew 1.5 million eyeballs on TV sets and stoops nationally.

Following selection in the US, we can now announce the five lucky couples: Martijn Bakker/ Robyn Smith, Pilo Pilkes/ Scot Brown, Stanley Doorn/ Jorge Vazquez, Hans Pieter Heijnes/ Ira Siff, and Stephan Hengst/ Patrick Decker.

Describing the moment, here's what Stephan had to say: "We are thrilled to be celebrating our marriage in Amsterdam with friends and family. I was born in Friesland, and have spent only a limited amount of time in Amsterdam, and Patrick has never been to the Netherlands. So, this will be a great way for us to not only celebrate our union, but to also discover more about the city of Amsterdam itself.”

It takes two to say 'I Do'

To watch the tying of five knots (hopefully not together), catch all the action live via webcam this Amsterdam Gay Pride weekend.

• English stream: amsterdamboatguide

• Dutch stream: denederlanden