First Gay Weddings in Belfast

From The BBC:

The first set of civil partnership ceremonies for gay couples in the UK is due to be held in Northern Ireland. Two lesbian couples and a gay couple are due to exchange vows at Belfast City Hall, which already has 20 provisional bookings for the services. The new Civil Partnership Act provides same-sex couples with similar legal rights to married couples. The first ceremonies in Scotland will take place on Tuesday, and in England and Wales on Wednesday.

Two women, Shannon Sickles and Grainne Close, will be the first couple to exchange vows in a ceremony at Belfast City Hall at 1000 GMT. Both protesters and supporters are expected to be outside. The Reverend David McIlveen, of the Free Presbyterian Church - who will be among the protesters - said he was "very much opposed" to the "marriage in all but name" of gay couples. The bible described marriage as "a relationship between male and female for the bringing up of children", he told BBC News. "It is revealed as being an honourable relationship whereas the bible speaks of same sex relationships as being an abomination. You cannot reconcile the two."

But Maria Quirey from Northern Ireland's Lesbian Advocacy Service said the ceremonies would be welcomed by many. "I would remind people that we're talking about a minority, but quite a substantial minority and the British government have given the official figure now as 6% of the population," she said. "So in the north of Ireland, we're talking about 100,000 people - men and women." At least 1,200 ceremonies are confirmed as being scheduled across the UK already, according to figures from councils.

Campaigners say the law ends inequalities for same-sex couples. Since it came into force, couples have been able to legally register an intention to form a civil partnership with local councils. It means same-sex couples can have their relationships recognised in law for the first time. It also provides registered gay and lesbian couples with a number of legal rights and entitlements already held by heterosexual couples in civil marriages. But unlike marriages, the signing of the legal partnership papers does not need to happen in public. Last month, Lisburn City Council in Northern Ireland overturned its policy regarding gay and lesbian unions. The council had banned the use of its wedding room for same-sex civil partnership registrations, prompting gay activists to threaten legal action. After consulting lawyers, a council committee decided the ban should be lifted.

And so it begins……