Elton John is probably the first man in the UK to have said ‘I do’ to both the bride and the groom, though not at the same time obviously. The singer and his partner David Furnish were amongst the first couples in the UK to get hitched under new laws brought in by the government late last year.
On 5th December 05 gay couples were allowed to apply to be registered for a civil partnership, with the first partnerships taking place just 15 days later. The new law allows gay and lesbian couples to register their partnerships by signing an official document in front of a registrar and two witnesses. The law gives the ‘newlyweds’ a range of financial and social rights including next-of-kin rights, there is also a dissolution process similar to divorce – well just in case it doesn’t work out.
‘This is something we fought so hard for’, said Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill. ‘We’re delighted. We’ve received countless enquiries from people across Britain wanting to know more, because at last lesbian and gay couples can begin to plan their future lives together’.
Government boffins originally estimated around 425,600 couples would tie the knot by 2050. The figure was later reduced to just 42,500, after some gay organisations complained that the law didn’t go far enough. Some argued that gay couples should have the right to a full marriage ceremony if that is what they wanted.
But before you think of saying those two magic words, here are a few pearls of wisdom. If you can honestly say yes to all of these questions, then maybe the married life is for you.
- You both have to be of the same sex (duh!)
- You can’t already be in a civil partnership or married.
- You have to both be 16 or over and if you’re under 18, your parents have to give consent.
- You might think you love him today, but will you still love him when his hair turns grey and those wrinkles start to form?
- Can you picture yourself being there for each other when you have a mid-life crisis because you’re too old to shop at TopMan any more?
- Finally, do you think you’ll be able to compromise over what colour suits to wear for the ceremony?
Puffta’s top five ideal men to get hitched to…
Chris Evans
No not Billie’s ex, the hot one from the Fantastic Four movie. A body to die for and a killer smile. Enough said!
Chad Michael Murray
Gorgeous Chad of One Tree Hill fame recently separated from wife and co-star Sophia Bush. Problem is he’s still legally married. Not fair!
Ryan McPartlin
Teen-drama Living with Fran’s resident heart throb has a perfectly toned body and enough muscles to carry you over the threshold. Slight problem being he’s married and he isn’t gay.
Will Young
Pop Idol Will looks hot in his Switch It On video, plus he’s gay and apparently very sensual. The only hurdle being is he’s supposedly dating already.
Jesse Metcalfe
The boy next door look worked for Jesse in Desperate Housewives. The 26 year-old hottie could be the perfect partner doing all of the DIY, shirtless of course
22.05.06 Sub Editor Rory Michael Smith.
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