Gay couples across England and Wales said "I do" Saturday as a law
authorising same-sex marriage came into effect at midnight, the final
stage in a long fight for equality.
Following the
first marriages amid a supposed race to wed, Prime Minister David
Cameron tweeted: "Congratulations to all same-sex couples getting
married today – I wish you every possible happiness for the future."
The
Conservative party leader also described the change as an "important
moment for our country", and a rainbow flag flew above government
offices in London in celebration.
While
15 countries have legalised gay marriage and in another three it is
allowed in some regions of the country, homosexuals remain persecuted in
many parts of the world.
The
Church of England, insisting weddings should take place only between a
man and a woman, secured an exemption from the new law.
In
London, John Coffey, 52, and Bernardo Marti, 48, exchanged vows as the
clock struck midnight, before being pronounced "husband and husband".
They were among several couples bidding to be first to take advantage of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act.
In
Brighton on England's south coast, Neil Allard and Andrew Wale
exchanged vows and rings in the opulent splendour of the Royal Pavilion
in front of about 100 guests.
Wearing
velvet-collared three-piece suits with white flowers in the
buttonholes, the smiling couple of seven years hugged and kissed after
sealing their marriage.
"We are very happy this day has come finally. It's very exciting," said Wale, a 49-year-old theatre director.
Campaigners have insisted that only the right to marry gives them full equality with heterosexual couples.
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