What year was gay marriage legalized in england

The first same-sex weddings have taken place after gay marriage became legal in England and Wales at midnight. Politicians from the main parties have hailed the change in the law. David Cameron said the move sent a message that people were now equal "whether gay or straight", but some religious groups remain opposed.

Scotland passed a similar law in February; the first same-sex marriages are expected there in October.

Same-sex marriage now legal as first couples wed

Northern Ireland has no plans to follow suit. In an article for the Pink News websiteexternalthe prime minister wrote: "This weekend is an important moment for our country. The law change would encourage young people unsure of their sexuality, he added. Sandi Toksvig and her partner Debbie renewed their civil partnership vows at an event in London celebrating the law change.

Later on Saturday morning, Mr Cameron tweetedexternal : "Congratulations to the gay couples who have already been married - and my best wishes to those about to be on this historic day. Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said "Britain will be a different place" as a result.

He congratulated his party for being part of the reform, saying: "If our change to the law means a single young man or young woman who wants to come out, but who is scared of what the world will say, now feels safer, stronger, taller - well, for me, getting into coalition government will have been worth it just for that.

Labour leader Ed Miliband congratulated those planning to tie the knot. However, he warned that the "battle for true equality" was not yet won. Several couples were ready to tie the knot the moment the law changed. Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell acted as chief witness at a packed ceremony at Islington Town Hall in London just after midnight as Peter McGraith and David Cabreza were wed after 17 years together.

Mr Tatchell said the couple and all the others getting married had "made history" and "made What year was gay marriage legalized in england a more tolerant, equal place". With a crowd of photographers, journalists and well-wishers waiting, the couple took the opportunity to highlight the international struggle for gay rights.

Mr McGraith said: "Very few countries afford their gay and lesbian citizens equal marriage rights and we believe that this change in law will bring hope and strength to gay men and lesbians in Nigeria, Uganda, Russia, India and elsewhere, who lack basic equality and are being criminalised for their sexual orientation.

Mr Cabreza added: "From a global and political perspective it's great too, but for us it's also about us and our marriage. After marrying his partner Neil Allard at Brighton's Royal Pavilion, Andrew Wale said he found the ceremony "much more moving" than he expected. Aarron Adem Erbas, who married Louis Monaco, also at Islington Town Hall, said: "We're going to celebrate the rest of the day and it means so much to us that we can have our friends and loved ones here.

It's absolutely brilliant. Andrew Wale and Neil Allard were the first same-sex couple to marry in Brighton. Later on Saturday, a crowd of about 2, people - which included a number of celebrities - gathered to watch comedian Sandi Toksvig and her partner Debbie renew their civil partnership vows.

The couple, who entered into a civil partnership seven years ago, exchanged vows on stage at the Royal Festival Hall in London at a special event to celebrate the introduction of gay marriage in the UK. Toksvig, who presents the BBC Radio 4 News Quiz, said it was "an astonishing moment in history", adding: "There was many a time I thought this day would never come.

Those in civil partnerships can choose to convert their relationships to marriage, via a procedure expected to be in place by the end of the year, but are under no obligation to do so. Andrea Williams, Christian Concern: "This is actually very self-centred". Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said on Friday night the Church of England would now drop its opposition to same-sex marriage, as Parliament had spoken.

But some religious groups remain opposed to gay marriage. Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said: "We can't just redefine an institution - redefine something that always has been - because we say it's something that we want. This is not about rights, it's about seeking cultural dominance and seeking to redefine marriage for all of us.

Aarron Adem Erbas married Louis Monaco and said the day was "absolutely brilliant".