Equalities Minister, Maria Miller MP has announced that the first same sex wedding will take place on March 31, 2014.
The announcement was much earlier than expected and comes after the coalition governments controversial legislation received Royal Assent in July. The bill had the support of The Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat leaderships.
Couples wanting to be among the first to exchange vows will need to give formal notice of their intention to marry on March 13, 2014.
Maria Miller MP, said: “Marriage is one of our most important institutions, and from March 29 2014 it will be open to everyone, irrespective of whether they fall in love with someone of the same sex or opposite sex.
“This is just another step in the evolution of marriage and I know that many couples up and down the country will be hugely excited that they can now plan for their big day and demonstrate their love and commitment to each other by getting married.”
Couples wanting to convert civil partnerships into marriages and married people who want to change their legal gender while remaining married will be able to do so later in the year.
Ben Summerskill, chief executive of gay rights campaign group Stonewall, said: “This historic step will mean that, for the first time, every gay person in England and Wales will finally enjoy exactly the same rights as their heterosexual friends and family.”
“It’s particularly resonant for us at Stonewall that this announcement has been made on UN Human Rights Day. As we celebrate the progress made in Britain, we’re marking the day by launching new guidance for equality activists worldwide.”
Under the terms of the bill, religious organisations can ‘opt in’ to offering weddings, but the Church of England and Church in Wales are banned in law from doing so.
Ben concluded saying: “This historic step will mean that, for the first time, every gay person in England and Wales will finally enjoy exactly the same rights as their heterosexual friends and family.”
Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove & Portsalde first raised the issue of marriage inequality with David Cameron back in 2011 and felt that it was right for the Government to make Same-Sex Marriage a priority
Mike said: “The passing of this legislation was a historic step forward for gay rights, so it is now with great delight that my constituents and I can look forward to the first marriages taking place on Saturday, March 29, 2014. It was completely at odds with an open and democratic society to exclude gay couples from the important institution of marriage. I know that allowing gay couples to marry will mean a huge amount to thousands of residents in Brighton & Hove.”
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, added: “I’m delighted that from the March 29 couples in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven will have the option of getting married, regardless of their sexuality.
“It has been a long road to legalising equal marriage, and I am very proud of the efforts that have gone into securing this date.
“I look forward to attending many same sex wedding ceremonies in the years ahead!”
The first people to make history and tie the knot in Brighton will be Philip Robathan and James Preston who are the first couple booked in at Brighton Registry Office on Monday, March 31 at 9am.
Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, concluded, saying: “This is wonderful news and long overdue. Having long campaigned for LGBTI equality, and having always believed in the human right to same-sex marriage, I’m delighted that this is finally happening. Congratulations to Philip and James, and to all the same-sex couples who will finally see their partnerships recognised.”
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