A Russian lesbian couple, Irina Fedotova, right, and Irina Shipitko kiss each other near a marriage registry office in central Moscow, Tuesday, May 12. AP MOSCOW (AP) - Two women have been denied a marriage license in what they say is the first effort in Russia by two lesbians to wed.

Irina Fedotova and Irina Shipitko were handed a written rejection from a registry office in central Moscow Tuesday.

Official Svetlana Potamoshneva said Russian law recognizes a marriage only between a man and a woman.

Fedotova said she and her partner now plan to get married in Canada. She said Russia recognizes marriages registered abroad thus allowing the couple to formalize their relationship.

Russia decriminalized homosexuality in 1993, but opposition to gay rights remains widespread.