Gay marriages to be legal in Britain from December

GAY marriages will come into force in Britain from December, it was announced yesterday.

British ministers said same-sex couples will be able to notify register offices of their intention to form a civil partnership from December 5.

The first partnerships will therefore be in place by Christmas, after the 15-day waiting period has passed.

The Civil Partnership Act, which won royal assent last November, allows gays to sign an official document in front of the registrar and two witnesses.

Registration will be available only to homosexuals and not as an alternative to heterosexual marriage.

The partnerships will allow gays to benefit from a dead partner’s pension, grant next-of-kin rights in hospitals and exempt them from inheritance tax on a partner’s home.

The act does not use the term “gay marriage” but the civil partnerships have clearly been designed to be as close to a marriage contract as possible.

Partners will even be able to dissolve the agreement in a form of divorce.

Deputy Minister for Women and Equality Jacqui Smith said: “I know how much this legislation means to a great many same-sex couples across the country who are eager to finally get legal recognition for their relationships.

“This legislation is going to make a real difference to these couples and it demonstrates the government’s commitment to equality and social justice.”

Chief executive of gay rights group Stonewall, Ben Summerskill, said: “This is the moment we fought so hard for.

“At last, lesbian and gay couples can begin to plan their future lives together,” he added.