Christine Quinn Sets Date for Wedding to Kim Catullo

Christine Quinn (right) and Kim Catullo / Photo via NYPost

Weddings can be sweet. Weddings can be obnoxious. But don't forget: Weddings can be political. At least that was the major point that Chris Smith made in hisNew York magazine story, "The Politics of One Gay Marriage," last month when he addresed the calculation that New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn was putting into the announcement and date for her planned wedding to her longtime partner Kim Catullo.

As Smith wrote: "Matrimonial decisions that are stressful for any intendeds are uniquely freighted for Quinn. Should the ceremony be civil or religious? Should the event be small and family-only, or a blowout filled with influential members of the political class, many of whom happen to be Quinn's friends?"

It was speculated by one Democratic strategist that it would be "right after the city budget is finished in June, but before the Democratic convention. So July 2012." Another said she should wait until closer to the 2013 election.

Well, today the New York Post reported that Quinn set the date for May 19. It was noted that the couple "sent out 'save the date' cards yesterday to wedding guests in the form of vintage subway maps." The only information was that the wedding would be "held in Manhattan 'with family and friends' and would be private."

As HRC's Brian Ellner told Smith: "The ability to elect the first woman and the first openly gay mayor of New York City is going to be a national cause. It's an instance where you have both substance and symbolism, and that will create enormous excitement."

But we're also excited that Quinn and Catullo are finally able to tie the knot in their home town. Years ago, Quinn had vowed that she would go to another state if need be to make it legal. Now, the woman who could be the next mayor of New York City will be able to have her ceremony--for whatever reason she desires. And whenever she wants.