‘We want full civil marriage rights for all’

WHEN? Of late it’s the question most often waiting at the end of the phones that ring almost continuously at the offices of GLEN, the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network.

When will the Civil Partnership Bill be passed? When will it be law? When should I apply to the civil registrar? When can we publicly declare before the law our love and commitment? When will we be just like other couples?

After so many years of chipping away at the social and legal barriers to same-sex relationships, a little impatience to clear the last pieces of rubble is understandable.