Same-sex couples in England and Wales have flocked to convert their civil partnerships into marriages, with the first ten ceremonies taking place simultaneously in Brighton. The ten couples went through the process at the same time, but in separate offices, at Brighton Town Hall. While the Marriage Act comes into effect in England and Wales at the end of March, from midday Wednesday those already in civil partnerships were able to ‘upgrade’ to marriage - as the process became known in New Zealand. Sandi Toksvig (on Lorraine) said she'd marry her wife every day if she could. Among others who have been quick to convert to a marriage was writer and comedian Sandi Toksvig. She afterwards told chat show Lorraine “I'd marry her every day if I could,” of her partner Debbie. She added: “It's about being exactly the same as everyone else. I have campaigned for years and years and years and been through all sorts of things - death threats and all the unpleasantness - and all we're saying is we love each other, and it's the same as any two consenting adults.” Kiwi/Brit writer Stella Duffy has also married New Zealand raised British writer Stella Duffy married Shelley Silas in London. She earlier blogged “And I thank my wife, the brilliant Shelley Silas, who has been my wife – partner, helpmeet, soul mate – for so long … I will be I proud to be her wife and proud to call her mine.” Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said he was proud of the change and hailed it as a further sign of progress for LGBTequality in Britain. "Today is another celebration for LGBT rights in this country, but as ever it's a reminder that there are people across the world living under much less fortunate conditions, facing discrimination and persecution on a daily basis. “So as we raise a glass to those making their vows, we send a message of solidarity to LGBT people everywhere.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 11th December 2014 - 8:13am