Religious gay weddings proceeding, sometimes in defiance of church leaders

An article from The New York Times says that clergy are increasingly performing weddings for gay couples--and even calling them "marriages." Here's a snippet:

Even some members of the clergy who do not have the permission of their denominations — including Catholic priests — say they are quietly officiating at ceremonies in defiance of their church leaders.

One Catholic priest, who has violated his church's ban, said: "We can bless a dog, we can bless a boat, we can bless a car, but we can't say a prayer over two people who love each other and want to spend their lives together. You don't have to call it marriage; you can call it a deep and abiding friendship, but you can't bless it."