London, Dec 03: Debbie and Elaine, Roger and Percy will be among the first to break new ground in Britain, taking advantage of new laws that come into force Monday allowing them to marry their gay partners.
According to official predictions, some 22,000 people
will sign so-called civil partnerships between now and 2010,
giving them the same rights and privileges as married,
heterosexual couples.
Britain is the fifth country to introduce legislation
allowing gay unions, following Belgium, Canada, Spain and the
Netherlands.
Given the legal requirement of publishing the banns, the
first ceremonies are scheduled for December 19 in northern
Ireland, December 20 in Scotland and December 21 in England.
The first ceremony itself will take place in Londonderry
on December 19.
The southern English seaside resort of Brighton and
Westminster, in the political and tourist heart of London,
both wanted to be the first in England to marry same-sex
partners. Ceremonies will be held there on December 21 at
8:00 am (1330ist) on the dot.
Both places are expecting a boost to their image and
also hoping to attract the financial clout of the "pink
pound".
In Brighton -- Britain's self-styled "gay capital" where
40,000 of its 161,000 inhabitants are homosexual -- vicar
Debbie Gaston will marry Elaine cook, her companion of 16
years.
The town's local authority believes choosing a woman of
the cloth will reinforce the message.
Bureau Report
