NEW PALTZ, N.Y. (AP) - A Hudson Valley village will mark the tenth anniversary of a series of controversial gay weddings officiated by its mayor.
Former New Paltz Mayor Jason West officiated over the vows of 21 same-sex couples on Feb. 27, 2004 in front of a cheering crowd. The marriages were never recognized by the state and West was charged with misdemeanor counts.
But the high-profile ceremonies added to the growing national debate over gay marriage. New York legalized same-sex marriage in 2011.
There will be a screening of a documentary about the New Paltz weddings in the village on Thursday along with a panel discussion.
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