Taipei, May 1 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian administered a group wedding ceremony for 42 pairs of men and wives in Kaohsiung City, southern Taiwan Wednesday.
He lauded labor as the locomotive for the development of society and economy and human rights such as mutual respect, parity between spouse are the cornerstone of any happy marriage.
Chen read for them the marital oath to the effect that they pledge to love each other forever, and lit a torch passing it to the spouse as a token of the endless love between the newly-wedded couples.
Calling it a pleasure to preside over their wedding ceremony at the May 1 Labor Day, Chen said he wishes every spouse to live merrily for ever hereafter.
The wedding, titled "2002 Labor Human Rights Wedding Ceremony", took place at the side of the Aihe river which wind through the harbor city.
Kaohsiung City Mayor Frank Hsieh and Director of Kaohsiung Labor Affairs Bureau Chen Chu attended the ceremony as witnesses.