THE gay community has marched through the streets demanding its rights to marriage ceremonies as councillors claim they are not all "blatant homophobic" bigots.

Around 100 protesters descended on Bromley Civic Centre to register their frustration at Bromley Council's refusal to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies.

Under the Civil Partnership Act, which takes effect in December, the council is legally bound to allow civil "marriage", where gay couples can register their relationships.

But unlike other London boroughs such as Lewisham, Bromley Council will not allow a ceremony to be held in the Civic Centre.

Gay couples were even more frustrated when three senior Bromley Tories were quoted in News Shopper claiming gay marriages are immoral and undermine family values.

A gay couple wrote to London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who threatened legal action if the policy was not reviewed.

In a letter, he labelled the council's decision as "blatant homophobic bigotry" and said: "I do not want London's international reputation as a tolerant city to be sullied by the actions and statements of one of its boroughs."

Police attended the colourful march and traffic was stopped as the campaigners moved from The Crown and Anchor pub in Park Road, Bromley, to the council offices in Stockwell Close.

Demonstrators handed a 2,000-name petition to a council representative.

Petts Wood resident Duncan Strivens, 40, was at the march.

He said: "It's a start and it's made a point. The next thing is to send a delegation to the council meeting when they discuss the policy.

"We'll be heckling them to let them know we are there and embarrass them."

The issue, which has split Tory councillors, is expected to go before the full council in September.

Two members of the council's executive will be giving marriage ceremonies their backing.

Councillor George Taylor said: "This is not a political issue, it is a personal matter for individuals who wish to make this commitment, which is fully allowed within the land."

Councillor Neil Reddin added: "What consenting adults choose to do is their business."