WOOLWICH: Second gay couple have marriage licence refused at Greenwich register office (From News Shopper)

WOOLWICH: Second gay couple have marriage licence refused at Greenwich register office

11:50am Thursday 2nd December 2010 in News By Mark Chandler

TWO gay men have become the second couple to challenge the UK’s legal ban on same-sex marriage at Greenwich register office.

David Watters, 40, and Richard Hull, 49, from Plumstead, applied for a civil marriage licence this morning at the Woolwich office but were refused.

Along with other couples, the men plan to take legal action in the courts as part of the Equal Love campaign which seeks to overturn prohibitions on gay civil marriages and heterosexual civil partnerships.

The campaign is being coordinated by gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.

Mr Watters, who has been in a relationship with Mr Hull for six years, claim that civil partnerships, which are legal in this country, are not seen by society as on a par with marriage.

Mr Watters explained: “Prohibiting same-sex marriage excludes gay people from enjoying the same legal status as heterosexuals.

“This amounts to unfair treatment for gay couples like ourselves.

“We want to embrace the commitment and responsibilities that come with marriage. The law won't allow us to do so.“

The personal development consultant added: “It is a fundamental human right to marry the person of one's choice.

“I would like to exercise my right to marry David. I don't want to be his civil partner.”

Last month, Rev Sharon Ferguson, 52, and 49-year-old Franka Strietzel, from Charlton also had their application for a civil marriage licence turned down at Greenwich.