London's Westminster saw it's first gay wedding last week!
Or to be more exact, the Palace of Westminster saw it's first gay civil partnership take place. This makes headline news because The Palace Of Westminster is the official home to the United Kingdom Parliament, it's probably the most recognised British building around the world!.
The UK's Europe Minister Chris Bryant picked the wonderful historic venue to marry his boyfriend and partner Jared Cranney. The two found love during a local election campaign in April last year and their relationship has blossomed ever since.
The UK's Civil Partnership Act 2004 gave gay couples the right to obtain the same inheritance and legal rights as married couples. A number of venues have applied for the special licences that allow them to hold these civil ceremonies. Bryant has lobbied the leader of the houses of Parliament, Mr Bercow, for ages to get a licence, to afford gay MP's and members of the public to ability to marry in the Palace of Westminster.
The couple released a statement after their wedding saying they were ‘enormously grateful’ to Mr Bercow and Leader of the Commons Harriet Harman for making the ‘really special day’ possible. "We never thought this day would come - and never thought we'd have to worry about cakes and flowers and rings," they said. "It's amazing how much things have changed in such a short time. Only a few years ago there was a different gay age of consent, you could sack people or refuse to serve them just because of their sexuality and gays were banned from the military, from adopting or getting married.
"Parliament is special because it has made it possible. We are delighted that everyone in the UK can now share in a privilege that used to be available just to straight MPs."
Jared and Chris with Harriet Harmen
The UK's Prime Minister, Gordon Brown is expected to call the next general election this week, which almost certainly will be held in on 6th May, but as of yet there is no real clue as to the ultimate winning party. Much of the current speculation is for a 'hung' Parliament, where no one party has overall control, which would spell a further period of economic doom for the UK. This is more evident in the gay community, who may be fed of Brown's leadership, but are hesitant in electing the party that introduced section 28, one of the most homophobic laws in modern British history. The UK's l gay radio station and dating site, GayDar radio, sampled 1500 gay people on who they are likely to vote for. - LABOUR 28% - TORIES 29% - LIB DEMS 27%" - sample 1,500 - 19% undecided on who would make the best leader.
Jason's own personal blog, a ride into the mind of an overactive under achiever can be found at www.seafrontdiary.com
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