During early hours of Saturday gay couples across England and Wales said “I do”, as a law authorising same-sex marriage came into effect at midnight, the final stage in a long fight for equality. Prime Minister David Cameron hailed what he said was an “important moment for our country”, and a rainbow flag flew above government offices in London in celebration.

In Brighton on England’s south coast, Neil Allard and Andrew Wale exchanged vows and rings in the opulent splendor of the Royal Pavilion in front of about 100 guests.

Wearing velvet-collared three-piece suits with white flowers in their buttonholes, the smiling couple of seven years hugged and kissed after they became “husband and husband”.

They were among several couples bidding to be first to take advantage of last year’s Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act by holding midnight weddings.

“We are very happy this day has come finally. It’s very exciting,” said Wale, a 49-year-old theatre director.
Emerging out into the crisp night air after the ceremony, they were stunned to be greeted by hundreds of cheering supporters.




 “Put simply, in Britain it will no longer matter whether you are straight or gay — the state will recognise your relationship as equal.”


The Church of England had opposed same-sex marriage, insisting weddings should only take place between a man and a woman, and secured an exemption from the new law. The House of Bishops last month also warned clergy they should not bless married gay couples.

But Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the leader of the world’s 80 million Anglicans, said the Church had accepted the new law and would continue to demonstrate “the love of Christ for every human being”.