Couple vow to continue fight to be married in Church of Scientology chapel

Louisa Hodkin, 24, had wanted to wed fellow Scientologist fiance Alessandro Calcioli at a chapel in the London base of the movement in central London

A bride-to-be has vowed to continue to fight for the right to marry in a Church of Scientology chapel after a High Court judge turned down her appeal.

Louisa Hodkin, 24, had wanted to wed fellow Scientologist Alessandro Calcioli at a chapel in the London base of the movement in central London.

Mr Justice Ouseley upheld a ban by the Registrar General of England and Wales, but Miss Hodkin said she would take the case to the Supreme Court.

Mr Justice Ouseley said that the Supreme Court might not feel bound by a 1970 ruling that Scientology services “did not involve acts of worship.”

However, the judge was backed today by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles who welcomed the decision.

Speaking outside the court today, Miss Hodkin said: “I knew I would have to be strong and patient given the current law. I am delighted that the court has granted me the opportunity to ask the Supreme Court to hear my case.

“I hope that the court allows me to marry in my own church, surrounded by my family and friends, which means everything to me.”