So In Love
A PAIR of Scottish councillors yesterday revealed their plans to marry in Britain’s first gay wedding when such ceremonies become legal later this year.
Neil Fletcher and John Stewart, who serve alongside each other as Liberal Democrat councillors in Aberdeen, have been together since 1992 and have been waiting to declare their love in a legal, public ceremony for years. New legislation which comes into force in December this year can now make their dream a reality.
Accountant Mr Fletcher, 40, who heads Aberdeen City Council’s finance committee, said: "We are very much in love and have always wanted some kind of marriage. However, we’ve been forced to wait for this legislation to go through.
"But now that it has, we’re hoping we’ll be the first gay couple in the country to take part in what’s called a Civil Partnership.
"We have always wanted a public and legal acknowledgement of our relationship and are over the moon that is finally going to happen. All our family and friends are delighted. It’s going to be a very special day."
Mr Stewart, 32, and Mr Fletcher first came across each other at a Lib Dem meeting 13 years ago. Their romance blossomed when Mr Stewart gave Mr Fletcher a lift home. Within six months the relationship had progressed and they set up home together.
They both won council seats in the last local elections and now play major roles in Aberdeen City Council’s joint Conservative and Lib Dem administration.
The Civil Partnerships Act was passed in November last year and comes into force this December. It enables gay couples to tie the knot in a ceremony similar to a civil service, presided over by a registrar and two witnesses. The pair will subsequently enjoy similar rights to married couples.
[Stuart Patterson, "We're so in love, say councillors in Britain's first gay wedding", in The Scotsman.]