* Gay marriage Britain's first same-sex marriages take place as PM speaks of 'powerful message' Ceremonies take place in England and Wales as people take advantage of new law permitting same-sex marriages * Share * Tweet this -- Link to video: Gay marriage legalised: Same-sex couples tie the knot David Cameron has hailed the first same-sex marriages in England and Wales as sending a "powerful message" about equality in Britain. The law changed at midnight, with a number of gay couples vying to claim the title of being the first to be married in Britain by trying to time it perfectly so their vows were said just seconds after the clock struck midnight. -- While whoever says the words "I do" first can claim the title of first gay couple to be wed in the UK, other couples who previously married abroad have already had their unions recognised. On 13 March, the law in England and Wales changed to recognise same-sex marriages performed overseas. Sue Wilkinson, 60, and Celia Kitzinger, 57, married in Canada in 2003 and fought for eight years to have their union recognised here. -- The flag - adopted as a symbol of the gay community in 1970s' San Francisco - was being flown above the Cabinet Office and Scotland Office. Scotland has also legislated to allow same-sex marriages, with the first ceremonies expected to take place later this year. Louis Monaco will wed his partner Aarron Erbas at 10am on Saturday. -- Gay rights campaigners have rejoiced at the move saying Saturday will be a "momentous day". Ruth Hunt, acting chief executive of gay rights charity Stonewall, said: "Saturday is a momentous day for England and Wales, as the first same-sex marriages mark full legal equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. "The first weddings will send a powerful message to every person in Britain and around the world that you can live and love as you choose, regardless of your sexual orientation." -- Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who will attend the McGraith-Cabreza wedding, said: "Peter and David are personal friends and long-time gay rights campaigners. I am delighted to be their witness on this historic day. "Their marriage is a celebration for them and for the whole lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. It marks the end of the ban on same-sex marriage and is another hugely significant milestone in the quest for lesbian and gay equality. "The legalisation of same-sex marriage ends the last major legal discrimination against gay people in England and Wales. Scotland will follow later this year. Sadly, Northern Ireland remains a bastion of homophobia. "Same-sex marriage is an unstoppable global trend because love and commitment are universal human traits, regardless of sexual orientation or nationality. No ignorance or prejudice can hold back the triumph of love." • This article was corrected on Saturday 29 March 2014 because the headline referred to the UK rather than Britain. -- Close this popup Britain's first same-sex marriages take place as PM speaks of 'powerful message' This article was published on the Guardian website at 00.05 GMT on Saturday 29 March 2014. It was last modified at 23.01 BST on Friday 20 June 2014. It was first published at 20.05 GMT on Friday 28 March 2014. -- [straight.png] 1. Journalist and political activist Julie Bindel explores what it means to be gay in the era of same-sex marriage and equal rights, from picket line to picket fence. Click here to order.