THE first same-sex weddings in England and Wales can take place from march 29, 2014, UK equalities minister Maria Miller has announced. The date is several months earlier than expected at the time of the passage of the marriage (Same-Sex couples) Act in July, when it was thought that gay couples would have to wait until next summer to tie the knot. Couples wishing to be among the first to marry will need formally to give notice of their intention to marry on march 13. Ms Miller said: "Marriage is one of our most important institutions, and from march 29, 2014 it will be open to everyone, irrespective of whether they fall in love with someone of the same sex or opposite sex.
"This is just another step in the evolution of marriage and I know that many couples up and down the country will be hugely excited that they can now plan for their big day and demonstrate their love and commitment to each other by getting married." Ms miller said she was "working hard" to ensure that couples wishing to convert civil partnerships into marriages - and married people wanting to change their legal gender while remaining married - will be able to do so before the end of next year.
Same-sex couples who married abroad under foreign law and are currently treated as civil partners will be recognised as being married in England and Wales from march 2014. Those wishing to take part in same-sex weddings in some British consulates and armed forces bases overseas or in military chapels will have to wait until June.
Benjamin Cohen, the publisher of pinknews and founder of the out4marriage campaign for same-sex marriage said: "there are many gay couples who have been eagerly awaiting this news and will now be able to plan their wedding.
"We now await news on whether the Government will equalise private pension rights for same-sex couples and publish the process for gay couples to convert from civil partnerships to marriages."
Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said: "this is the news many couples have been waiting for. After a long and important battle this is a wonderful step forward for equality.
"Love is the same, gay or straight, so it's only right that the civil institution should be the same.
"march will be a real moment for celebration as same-sex couples finally get the chance to express their love through marriage."