Same sex marriages will not be allowed at Lisbon’s annual mass marriages (Casamentos de Santo António) this year because the mayor believes it will offend the Catholic Church.
According to a statement from Lisbon council, António Costa has decided not to propose the alteration in the event’s regulations to the Catholic Church, which agrees each year to take part in the initiative. He believes that a proposal to allow same sex couples to take part in the St Anthony weddings would offend the church.
A spokesman for the gay community, Paulo Corte-Real, said that they will contest the decision.
