Pioneering partnerships

Exactly 13 years after they first met, gay rights campaigners David King and Louis Letourno were the first couple to register to marry in Oxfordshire under The Civil Partnership Act, 2004.

That was more than two years ago, but David, 47, and Louis, 42, pictured above, waited until last year to celebrate their union.
“We wanted a really big party to celebrate,” said Mr King.

“But January in England isn’t the best time to have a party, and Louis is from Canada so people had to come from there.”

In July of last year, the couple took over the village of Wytham, where they live, and held a huge party that lasted for four days.
“We had a marquee, Champagne reception and a firework display,” recalled David.

“There was 170 at the main event and 90 at the recovery party,” he said.

“It was a superbly hot day and one I think about very often.”

But parties and ceremonies aside, David and Louis feel very strongly about the new legislation, and both campaigned for it for many years.

Louis, an independent financial adviser, made recommendations to the House of Lords about the tax implications for the bill — and was
Continued on page 21 in the house when it was passed.

“The act is extremely important,” said Mr King. “And has been taken up by far more than was expected by the government.

“We are in a privileged position as many countries do not have it, but it was not before time.”

Mr King believes the act came about due to the right political climate, and popular attitude.
“Whatever Tony Blair’s legacy, he couldn’t have done more for gay rights,” said Mr King.

And although Mr King says the partnership won’t make a significant difference in terms of their relationship, having official recognition that they are a couple means a great deal.
“It is important practically and emotionally,” said Mr King.

“Practically, because we now have the same legal rights as a hetrosexual couple, and emotionally because I do not see any difference between my relationship and a hetrosexual patronises, so why should have the right to have our relationship recognised in public?”

Same-sex couples who want to become civil partners have to give one of Oxfordshire County Council’s register offices formal notice, which is followed by a 15-day waiting period.

They then have to sign the civil register — called a registration — to make their relationship legally binding.

For further information log onto www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/registration or call 0845 129 5900.

Civil partners spend £60 million on getting hitched

UK couples have splashed out over £62 million on civil partnership ceremonies since they were introduced, according to new research.

Three years on from the publication of the Civil Partnerships Bill, research from Direct Line Home Insurance reveals that over 15,000 same-sex ceremonies have taken place, with a further 28,000 set to happen this year, costing on average £4,000 to host.

The research shows that ceremonies are also costly for guests, who spend an average of £700 in expenses including food, hotel bills and transport when attending a civil partnership bash.

And it is gifts that make up a large proportion of this spend, with guests splashing out nearly £100 each.

Typical choices include antiques or collectables (six per cent), electronic items (five per cent), or even adventure experiences and holiday trips (four per cent).
However, it’s cash that proves most popular, with one in three guests choosing to give money or vouchers.

Topping the list of venues were registry offices, hotels and stately homes.

And for many, partnerships are a practical affair with one in ten couples reporting they had their ceremony for legal rather than romantic reasons.

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