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First same-sex marriages take place in Britain

GAY couples last night raced to tie the knot in Britain’s first ever same-sex wedding ceremonies in what David Cameron called “an important moment for our country”.

Published: 00:11, Sat, Mar 29, 2014 By: Alison Little

The rainbow flag flies over the British government Cabinet Office's building[AP]

Several vied to be the first to say “I do” as the clock struck 12 and gay marriage became law in England and Wales.

Mr Cameron’s spokeswoman said: “It will be a happy day for all those who can have their ceremonies because of the reforms that the Prime Minister has got through this Parliament.”

Laws allowing gay marriage passed last summer with strong support from Mr Cameron despite dismay in many sections of the Conservative party.

But Mr Cameron said he supported it because he believed passionately in the institution of marriage.

Writing for gay paper PinkNews today, the Prime Minister welcomed “an important moment for our country” as the state recognised gay and straight relationships as equal.

He said the state should never deny anyone the kind of “incredible” lifelong partnership he had found with wife Samantha.

Mr Cameron declared: “When someone’s love is divided by law, it is the law that needs to change.”

Enabling same-sex marriage showed Britain would “continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth” and would reassure young people uncertain about their sexuality that they were equal, straight or gay”.

It would “create an environment where people are no longer bullied because of their sexuality and where they can realise their potential, whether as a great mathematician like Alan Turing, a star of stage and screen like Sir Ian McKellen”, he said.

The rainbow flag, a symbol of the gay community, was flying today over Government buildings.

One of the first couples to marry were actor and theatre director Andrew Wale, 49, and guesthouse owner Neil Allard, 38, from Hove in Sussex in Brighton’s Royal Pavilion.

Andrew Wale, left, and Neil Allard, were among the first couples to marry today [M AND Y NEWS]

When someone’s love is divided by law, it is the law that needs to change

David Cameron

At London’s Royal Festival Hall, broadcaster Sandi Toksvig and her civil partner Debbie Toksvig were to renew their vows.

Gay marriages will not happen in Anglican or Roman Catholic churches – both denominations oppose the law – but some religious groups will stage ceremonies including the Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Liberal Judaism movement.

Yesterday the Bishop of Buckingham, the Rt Rev Alan Wilson, several retired bishops, some Jewish rabbis and a leading Quaker signed a letter saying they” rejoiced” that same sex couples would be able to marry.

Ukip said it was not in favour if the European Court of Human Rights made churches carry out ceremonies. Leader Nigel Farage said he feared the Church of England would be “dragged through the courts in Strasbourg”.

Related articles

  * Ukip making a U-turn on gay marriage, reveals Nigel Farage
  * Should same-sex marriages have been legalised?

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