| Gay weddings | - proper term is 'civil partnership'
- a legally recognised union between two people of the same sex
- allows same rights as married couples
- couples may register from 5 December 2005
- ceremonies from 21 December 2005
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Judith and Mary have been together for three decades. But until today they've had no prospect of making their relationship legal. Signing these forms means they can register for the first time for a civil partnership - a legal, civil ceremony. Judith and Mary first met in 1973. They live together in their home in Oldham and say they feel like a married couple. They've already given each other wedding rings. "We're feeling really excited", said Judith. "When we first decided to do this back in July, it felt like today was months and months away. And suddenly it's here! And we've signed this morning to give notice. And it's just so exciting.
 | | Giving notice at the council |
"We've waited so long, so many years we've been together. And it's just like the law catching up with society. It's just wonderful!" Under the law, couples who want to form a same-sex partnership must register their intentions with local councils. Unlike marriages, the signing of the legal partnership papers does not need to happen in public. A civil partnership is a legally recognised union between two people of the same sex and is, to all intents and purposes, a right of marriage for gay and lesbian couples. | "We've waited so long, so many years we've been together. And it's just like the law catching up with society. It's just wonderful!" | | Judith Tomlinson |
Civil partners will be given the same rights in terms of inheritance, pensions provision, life assurance, child care and next of kin rights. Mary says it's long overdue: "I think we should have the status of a married couple. And we've been waiting - we'd have done it years ago had we been able to - we've just been waiting and praying for this day. And at last it's here." Judith and Mary will be the first to have their ceremony in Oldham on 21 December and preparations are now in full swing. The couple are aware many people are against the idea of same sex ceremonies but say society has changed.
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