"Congratulations England & Wales..."

Last night, the first couples married across England and Wales as full marriage equality arrived in most of the UK.  Scotland's Marriage Act will become effective later this summer leaving only Northern Ireland and some of the smaller island provinces without marriage equality in the UK, which first enacted civil partnerships nearly 10 years ago.  In celebration of the momentous event, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced that the rainbow flag will fly above Whitehall (seat of the UK government's cabinet offices) until Monday. 

Gay Marriage Is Legal From Midnight Tonight As Rainbow Flag Flies Over Whitehall
Nick Clegg says whole country should raise a glass to momentous occasion as gay people can now legally marry

Simon Keegan
March 28, 2014


Same sex couples can legally marry from midnight tonight - and the new era for gay rights will be marked with the rainbow flag flying over Whitehall.

Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said the whole country should raise a glass to this landmark event.

The Lib Dem leader said: "As all the same-sex couples make their vows this weekend, they will be making history.

"Finally, after years of campaigning, any couple who wants to get married can get married. Together we have made our country a place where we celebrate love equally, gay or straight – and for that reason we should all be raising a glass.

"Raising the rainbow flag on Whitehall is a small symbol to celebrate a massive achievement. I want to wish everyone getting married this weekend the very best of luck on what is a truly momentous occasion."

The rainbow flag was adopted in 1970s San Francisco as a symbol of gay rights.

The Pink News reported that Mr Clegg was backed by Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude who said: "It’s great that from this Saturday all couples across England and Wales will be able to celebrate their commitment by getting married. To mark this, the Cabinet Office will be flying the rainbow flag this weekend."

Mr Clegg told Pink News: "I couldn’t be prouder – and that goes for the whole Liberal Democrat party. And, as this right becomes an essential part of the fabric of our society, we must remember the struggle and commitment of all of those who have campaigned so hard to get us to this point.

"It’s also important that we never forget those children, young people and adults who still experience homophobic bullying in their day-to-day lives. I want them to know that we will continue to do all that we can to ensure this type of prejudice and discrimination has no place in modern Britain today.

Sean Adl-Tabatabai, left, and Sinclair Treadway kiss each other after they were announced officially married during a wedding ceremony in the Council Chamber at Camden Town Hall in London

"What the fight for equal marriage, and equal rights as a whole, shows us is that with enough determination, change is always possible. In the last five decades alone, we’ve come a huge way in this country to transform both the attitudes and laws that isolated, and unfairly treated, people who are gay, trans or bi-sexual. But there’s still work to be done.

"Our message is that, whatever your background, sexuality or gender, love is the same the world over and equal rights make every society fairer and stronger. That is what I will continue to say to all those people in power, or not, who seek to deny these freedoms to others across the world."

Prime Minister David Cameron said: " This is about equality. But it is also about making our society stronger.

Andrew Wale and Neil Allard marry just after midnight in Brighton

“I know there are strong views on both side of the argument - I accept that. But I think this is an important step forward for our country.”

Other members of the Tory party have not been as welcoming however with many claiming it would undermine the institution of marriage.

Conservative grandee Sir Roger Gale said: "Marriage is the union between a man and a woman, has been historically, remains so.

"It is Alice in Wonderland territory, Orwellian almost, for any government of any political persuasion to seek to come along and try to re-write the lexicon. It will not do."

Another Tory veteran, Edward Leigh MP said: "We should be concerned with equality, but not at the expense of every other consideration, not at the expense of tradition."

His colleague Sir Gerald Howarth said: "I believe marriage can only be between a man and a woman. I shall not surrender my principles.

"I believe this bill is wrong. The consultation was a complete sham, it is opposed by the established church and has caused deep and needless divisions inside the Conservative party."

The Government was forced to rely on Labour support as the MPs voted 400 to 175 in favour of same sex unions.

Peter McGraith and David Cabreza marry last night at Islington Town Hall, London

Ed Miliband said: “This is a proud day and an important step forward in the fight for equality in Britain.

“The overwhelming majority of Labour MPs supported this change to make sure marriage reflects the value we place on long-term, loving relationships whoever you love.”

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Congratulations UK!

"Fear Eats the Soul"