Parliament to host first 'gay wedding' in equalities victory

[oldironside]

With its array of obscure procedures, archaic ceremonies and strictly enforced rules, Parliament has often struggled with a reputation as an institution stuck in a time warp. But the hallowed halls of Westminster will take a major step into the 21st century next spring when the Palace defies convention to host its first ever civil partnership ceremony, The Independent can reveal.

Chris Bryant, the Europe minister, will become the first gay MP to have a civil partnership within the parliamentary estate in what will be seen as a symbolic victory for gay rights. Despite his role in the historic event, the former Church of England chaplain said he was "just happy to be getting married" after becoming engaged to his partner, Jared Cranney. "Jared and I are engaged and we hope to have a civil partnership – or a marriage is what it feels like – in March of next year," he said. "We'd like to do it in Parliament if possible."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/parliament-to-host-first-gay-wedding-in-equalities-victory-1813168.html

[TheBigotBasher]

1. For a start it is not gay marriaage

but that is a battle I consider not worth fighting. Unlike American gays I do not give too much credence to the marriage title. We also swallowed the loss of benefits pretty readily as well,although again, a side issue.

What I do question is when were the Houses of Parliament used for marriage before?

If I want a civil ceremony/marriage at the Houses of Parliament can I have one?

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. I think you need a connection with Parliament

eg an MP:

NEWHAM MP Lyn Brown turned the House of Commons into a Wedding Chamber when she became the first sitting woman MP for many years to hold her marriage and reception in the Palace of Westminster.

It was an incredibly happy occasion as Lyn wed partner, events manager John Cullen in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, to join the select band of Mps married there.

http://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/content/newham/recorder/news/story.aspx?brand=RECOnline&category=newsNEWHAM&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsnewham&itemid=WeED30%20May%202008%2016%3A02%3A04%3A473

Or a Lord Chancellor:

BRITISH CHANCELLOR WEDS.; Marries Miss Hicks-Beach in Chapel in Parliament Building ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Reid,_1st_Earl_Loreburn , Lord Chancellor)

Or children of MPs and peers: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-470365/Sweet-serenity-Parliaments-secret-society.html

So Bryant is getting the same 'right' as his fellow MPs.

[Hopeless Romantic]

3. No you can't have one there. You are, however, required to pay for it