Villaraigosa presides over gay wedding

LOS ANGELES, June 23 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Monday presided over the same-sex marriage of a Hollywood producer and his companion.

Many Southern California political figures are eager to preside over the newly legal gay nuptials, hoping to reap political gain, the Los Angeles Times said.

Villaraigosa united Oscar-winning "American Beauty" producer Bruce Cohen and art consultant Gabriel Catone just in time to make the 5 p.m. TV news, the newspaper said.

Moments later, a woman who called herself the "Angel of the Trinity" went to the podium and predicted same-sex unions would lead to earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes.

"I don't believe that gay marriage is morally right," said Rosalyn Schultz of Hesperia, Calif.

Villaraigosa last week said same-sex marriage is a matter of equality.

"The California electorate is coming into a new age realizing that (gay) marriage is an institution that supports family values, and it's certainly one I support," Villaraigosa said. "I certainly respect people of faith who disagree. I also respect the law, and I'm sworn to uphold the law."

The California Supreme Court last month ruled that a statewide ban on same-sex marriage violated the state constitution.