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(http://news.excite.com:80/news/ap/010628/12/news-britain-gay-marriages)
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News Article: London to Recognize Same-SexUnions
LONDON (AP) -
London's city government will officially recognize same-sex relationships
and offer ceremonies that resemble weddings, the mayor announced
Thursday.
The London Partnerships Register, to be launched in September, will
make the Greater London Authority the first public organization in Britain
to offer recognition to same-sexcouples.
Mayor Ken Livingstone
called the move a "step on the road to equality," adding he hoped other
cities and organizations would followsuit.
"Clearly we still have
some way to go, but I believe that the London Partnership Register is a
great start," Livingstonesaid.
The Church of England is opposed to
gay marriages. Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey declared in April
that gay unions would "muddy the waters" of
traditionalmarriage.
The city register will not confer the same
legal rights as marriage, the mayor said, but it is expected to prove the
existence of an intimaterelationship if there is a subsequent legal
dispute concerning issues such as tenancy, pensions and
immigrationrights.
The ceremonies, presided over by a city
official, are to be held at the visitors' center of the Greater London
Authority two days a week. Couples will be allowed to invite up to 25
guests.
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