(Yarmouth, Nova Scotia) Ronnie Devine doesn't know what the fuss is about.
While cleaning his lobster boat Friday, the fisherman said he doesn't understand why people are still talking about the marriage of two young Mounties in this bustling fishing port.
"It doesn't bother me one bit," he said as other fishermen were busy getting their boats ready to set sail.
"As long they're doing their jobs properly, I couldn't care less about it."
The marriage Friday of the two Nova Scotia constables, held during a private ceremony at a downtown hotel, marked the country's first same-sex marriage between male Mounties in their trademark scarlet tunics**.
Constables Jason Tree, 27, and David Connors, 28, were to recite their own vows before a justice of the peace, about 100 guests, and a line of other RCMP officers dressed in their red serge and Stetson hats.
But the function was strictly off limits to the public.
A sign at the hotel read: Private function by invitation only. Staff at the front desk refused to talk about the event, and a screen made of white sheets was set up to keep onlookers from seeing anyone moving between the lobby to the convention centre where the ceremony was to be held.
The couple has said they never intended to stir up controversy.
Tree admitted to being flummoxed by the steady stream of calls from well-wishers and media outlets across North America.
"I fail to see why it gathers the attention it does," Tree said in an interview days before the ceremony.
He refused to reveal any details and requested that reporters stay away.
"It's something I'd like to keep private," he said.
People in this community of 8,000 seemed nonplussed by the event.
Most townsfolk groaned, laughed and then rolled their eyes when asked about the couple, who have been nicknamed the Brokeback Mounties.
"It's not really for me, but that's their business," said an elderly man who didn't want to be named.
One man strolling past a coffee shop on Main Street said he wasn't sure what to make of an issue that has been a hot topic of conversation in a town best known for its prized lobster fishery.
In the end, he said, it didn't sit well with him.
"I'm an Adam and Eve kind of guy, but if you want to go and do that, go and do it on your own," he said, refusing to give his name.
But others said they were pleased for the couple, who have been together for more than eight years and have patrolled the area for years.
"It don't bother me," said Daniel Doucette, 59. "They've got a job and they've got to work just like us and if they want to get married, that's up to them."
Liberal MP Robert Thibault, who represents the area, congratulated the couple and praised their courage for proclaiming their love so publicly. He said he hasn't heard complaints from his constituents.
"I wish them very well," he said. "The total number of calls to my office expressing concern has been zero. The community seems to have accepted it."
Gay-rights activists have latched onto the story, hoping the marriage will make people across the country look differently at the stereotypically rugged Mountie - an icon in Canadian lore.
Politicians have stepped into the fray as they prepare for a free vote this fall on the issue of same-sex marriage after it was recognized by Parliament a year ago.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said he will hold the vote to determine whether there is an appetite to revisit legislation giving homosexuals the right to marry.
In a bid to avoid controversy, Harper recently muzzled his MPs, ordering them not to comment on the marriage of the two Mounties.
Tree has said he had no interest in making a political statement. Still, he said he would be pleased if his marriage helps other same-sex couples come forward.
"I certainly like the positive message that's out there because if we can help one person deal with their relationship or their sexuality, that's great, but our goal was to get married," he said.
*by The Canadian Press
**Scarlet Tunic (also called "Red Serge")
The Scarlet Serge, made from a serge fabric imported from England, was integrated into the Force around 1875. It was very popular among members, as it provided a warm durable jacket, useful in all the seasons.
The original models were fitted hip-length jackets with no pockets, but over the years, alterations to the basic design have led to the creation of the modern serge. In 1901, the serge was redesigned, providing wearers with a looser, fuller chest, and two breast pockets.
In 1914, the serge was altered again, given a slightly longer style, and pleated breast pockets. The serge design of 1931, which used a superfine blend fabric, created a much lighter, more comfortable garment that has been in use ever since. In 1954, the RCMP added gold shoulder bands to the Full Dress Order for officers, as a means of developing a more formal attire without having to purchase a new uniform.
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