10 same-sex couples from China wed in West Hollywood

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (KABC) -- Ten same-sex couples from China got hitched Tuesday in a special group wedding in West Hollywood after winning a contest aimed at raising awareness and fostering acceptance of same-sex relationships.

The Chinese government does not recognize same-sex marriages, making the ceremony all the more meaningful for the couples.

"I definitely hope for marriage equality 100 percent in China in the future," said newlywed Xue Mengyao through a translator.

Mayor Lindsay Horvath officiated the ceremony for the couples who had won a contest held by Alibaba, a Chinese e-commerce company.

"Maybe someone will think that our marriage license will not be valid in China, but they (the couples) think it's powerful and will be valid in the future," newlywed Duan Rongfeng said through a translator.

China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997, but same-sex marriage is still illegal and many LGBT members often feel discriminated against. In Los Angeles, the couples were able to celebrate their unions.

"They've been exceptionally happy these few days," said Geng Le with Blued, China's largest social gay app. "They feel like they're princes and princesses in this city."

Organizers hope these weddings will send a strong message about acceptance across the globe.