Andrew Wale and Neil Allard became the first same sex couple in the UK to be married just after midnight at the Royal Pavilion in front of the the world’s media.
Friends and dignatries including the Mayor of Brighton & Hove and Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven, joined the couple in a ceremony that was conducted by Brighton & Hove City Council senior ceremonies registrar Trevor Love. Nerves were evident and forgiven as Neil gave his wrong hand up for Andrew’s ring as the ceremony was beamed around the world and covered live on Sky News TV.
Hundreds of well wishers including many local students gathered outside the Royal Pavilion to congratulate the couple as they left after their ceremony.
Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven, said: “It was a very great privilege to be present at one of the very first same sex marriages.
“Having been involved as an MP in the legislation since its inception, it was fantastic to see history in the making and same sex marriage becoming a reality. I wish Andrew and Neil every happiness and hope that many more couples choose to come to our great City for their special day.”
Registrar Trevor Love, added: “The ceremony at Pavilion was fabulous and then, to cap it all, when it was all over, the couple were greeted by hundreds of well wishers waiting outside who cheered everyone who left the building!
“Biggest cheer of course for the couple.
“This has to be the proudest day of my career. I felt so privileged to do the first ceremony.”
Across Pavilion Gardens at Brighton Town Hall, Philip Robathan and James Preston became the first same sex couple to be married at Brighton Town Hall at 8am this morning. The good Lord put two fingers up to UKIP and provided a lovely spring morning complete with blue sky for the happy couple who entered the Town Hall to a moving performance of Le Cantique de Jean Racine by Gabriel Faure sung by the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus whose presence gave the proceedings a true community feel.
The ceremony was conducted by Brighton & Hove City Council registrar Debra Reynolds, who along with most people present shed a tear during the emotional ceremony when James read a poem by Pam Ayres.
Following the ceremony James and Philip were serenaded once again outside the Town Hall by the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus with a rendition of David Bowie’s Life on Mars as they released two white doves into a beautiful clear blue sky.
Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove & Portslade first raised the issue of same sex marriage with David Cameron back in 2011 and felt that it was right to make Same-Sex Marriage a priority for the Government.
He said: “It has been touching to read some of the incredible letters and emails in support of the change in the law. LGBT rights have come on a long way in a relatively short period of time in our country, but one only has to look abroad to see the appalling treatment that millions of gay people face every day.”
“Hove and Portslade has a large number of same-sex couples, many of whom I am sure will be looking to tie the knot after the changes in the law come into effect. I am proud to represent part of the city of Brighton & Hove which, generally, is known as a bastion of tolerance.”
Brighton & Hove City Council flew the Rainbow Flag from public buildings in recognition of the significance of the day to LGBT people living in Brighton and Hove.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury has indicated that the church will drop their opposition to same sex marriage.
Earlier in the week he told the Guardian newspaper: “I think the church has reacted by fully accepting that it’s the law, and should react on Saturday by continuing to demonstrate in word and action, the love of Christ for every human being.”
London’s Green MEP, Jean Lambert offered her congratulations to all those getting married this weekend, but she said full equality would only come when all couples – regardless of their gender, sexuality or faith – could choose between marriage and a civil partnership.
Ms Lambert said: “Same sex marriage is a vital step towards equality – and I am delighted it has finally become an option for the many gay couples in committed relationships in London.
“But the struggle for full equality goes on – and Greens in the European Parliament will be at the heart of it.
Ruth Hunt, the acting CEO of Stonewall the LGB equality charity who spearheaded the campaign to achieve equal marriage has sent a message to all Stonewall supporters.
She wrote to supporters: “When Stonewall was founded 25 years ago it was illegal to discuss same-sex relationships in schools. We could be fired from our jobs, were forbidden from serving our country in the military and had no legal recognition of our relationships.
“We’ve come so far since then. Last night, shortly after midnight, same-sex couples exchanged their wedding vows in England and Wales. These ceremonies symbolise the fact that, for the first time ever, lesbian, gay and bisexual people are equal under the law of this country.
“This morning we’re seeing the first joyous pictures from up and down the country of the couples who are declaring their love and commitment to one another in the same way as their heterosexual friends and family.
“These images send an immeasurably powerful signal to every young person growing up to be lesbian, gay or bisexual in this country. You can be who you are, love who you love and achieve anything you want – regardless of your sexual orientation.
“Around the world these celebrations stand as a beacon to those fighting for their own fundamental freedoms. Whilst our journeys are unique, our ambition to love and live freely is shared.
“To all the groups, campaigners, activists and politicians who worked tirelessly to help secure this change we say thank you. And to every couple tying the knot today, and in the days, months and years ahead, we say congratulations. We wish you a long and very happy life together.
“Tomorrow, achieving equality both in this country and the world continues. But today we celebrate.”
To see Latest TV’s footage of the wedding, CLICK HERE:
You must be logged in to post a comment.