Gay ‘marriages’ to get council backing

9:44am Friday 19th August 2005

GAY couples will soon be able to make their vows legally after the council announced plans to introduce same-sex marriage' ceremonies.

Lewisham Register Office will be hosting civil partnership ceremonies from December 21, allowing gay and lesbian couples to formally register their partnership.

More than four months before the first ceremony is due to take place, 23 couples have already registered to take part.

By law every register office in England and Wales must now hold a register for civil partnerships.

But some local authorities, including Bromley, have denied couples the chance to take part in official ceremonies.

Lewisham cabinet member for social inclusion Councillor Chris Best is glad Lewisham is "taking the lead" and adopting the full legislation.

She said: "We have always had an inclusive policy and we fully embrace the idea of civil partnership ceremonies.

"We hope to give couples who take part in the ceremonies a day to remember."

The ceremonies may also feature music and readings.

People from outside the borough will be able to have their ceremony in Lewisham.

Up until now, same-sex couples could only make their vows at unofficial ceremonies.

To book an appointment, call Lewisham Register Office on 020 8690 2128.