Mass LGBT wedding held in Manila
A small Christian ecumenical group performed a "Rite of Holy Union" ceremony to about a dozen gay and lesbian couples in a basketball court in the middle class district of Quezon city, Manila, on Sunday.
Although such same-sex unions are not legally recognized under Philippine laws and are staunchly rejected by the dominant Roman Catholic church in the country, the annual ceremony carried on.
Organizers said the rites held a special relevance this year following the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage last week, and emboldens other countries to adopt a more tolerant stance on same-sex unions.
More from AOL.com:
Supreme Court ruling makes Pride parades historic, jubilant
Photos of the week: 6/19 - 6/26
AP Photos: Years of revolt, turmoil haunt Egypt's children
