Crowd cheers at Mpls. gay pride parade

Published 10:43 am Monday, June 29, 2015

MINNEAPOLIS — A large and boisterous crowd turned out to celebrate at the annual gay pride parade in Minneapolis on Sunday, two days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages are legal in all 50 states.

Revelers cheered “Love wins” at the parade through downtown Minneapolis, where rainbow tie-dye was a dominant fashion statement for both old and young.

Hennepin Avenue’s sidewalks were wall-to-wall with spectators, and the rooftop dining and drinking spots were packed with onlookers.

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Amelia Lonnes, 26, watched the Pride parade with her wife. She said they got married just weeks ago and are thrilled that their marriage is now recognized nationwide.

Lonnes said if she had moved to another state before Friday’s landmark ruling, her marriage might not have been recognized.

“Legally, I couldn’t call her my wife there. But now I can, and that’s great,” Lonnes said.

Police officers at the front of the procession held U.S. and Pride rainbow flags aloft. Glitter was thrown from the rooftops, fluttering to the street below. Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges rode in the parade on a motorcycle.

Many veterans of previous gay pride gatherings in Minneapolis said they had never seen such a turnout.

Minnesota legalized gay marriage two years ago, after voters rejected a constitutional ban on it in 2012.