New marriage rights for gay couples (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

New marriage rights for gay couples

A GAY couple from Stratton are celebrating this week after being allowed the same financial rights as a married couple.

Oliver Lee and Ewan Greig, who have been together for 12 years, are one of three couples already registered for a Civil Partnership in Cirencester.

The Civil Partnership Act 2004, which comes into force on December 21, gives gay couples the same financial security as those in a traditional marriage.

But for Oliver, 40, and Ewan, 48, the new legislation also affords them the same loving commitment as heterosexuals.

They spoke to the Standard on Monday, the first day couples were allowed to give notice on their intention to register.

Oliver said: "This is an opportunity for us to affirm our love and commitment to each other in a publicly recognised way, and that has not been possible before.

"It is a very significant day for all same-sex couples - this legislation has been a long time coming and it is very important. It gives us the same rights as everybody else and all the financial advantages."

Oliver and Ewan have set their big day for February 11, after which they'll have the same pension and inheritance tax rights as a married couple.

Oliver said: "We always hoped it would happen - this is an important day for the Cotswolds."

Register offices throughout Gloucestershire will be offering this service with a specially devised ceremony.

Gloucestershire County Council is the local authority dealing with registration throughout the county.

GCC head of registration Sally Bye said: "We are delighted we can introduce this service for the local gay and lesbian community.

"From the responses we received from our consultation with residents we are now able to provide a ceremony for those who wish to have one."

GCC's Registration Service also attended the Pink Wedding Fair that took place in Cardiff on November 27.

Cabinet member Shaun Parsons said: "GCC's Registration Service has always prided itself in the professional way it provides services.

"The Civil Partnership registration and ceremonies are another example of how we deliver services in an understanding and expert way. I would like to thank all staff for their hard work in making the new legislation work for the county."