Europe minister Chris Bryant to make parliamentary history with same-sex 'wedding'

News in pictures
News in pictures
On Facebook
From the blogs

Bahrain: One year on

I am used to endless lies and criticism from the BNP and its favourite blogster, as well as Islamist...

HIV orphans in Thailand prepare for the future

In Baan Gerda, a community for HIV infected or affected youngsters in Northern Thailand, a group of ...

Online House Hunter: England’s most romantic places

Our Online House Hunter goes in search of romance this Valentine's Day...

Roy Hodgson for England: A club of one

To argue against Harry Redknapp for England is akin to arguing in favour of bankers bonuses. While s...

The Palace of Westminster will make a break with tradition this month when it hosts a civil partnership ceremony for the first time.

The Europe minister Chris Bryant will form a civil partnership with Jared Cranney, a company secretary, on 27 March. Mr Bryant said: "It is something I really never thought would happen. It was illegal to be gay when I was born. We're really excited about it. I've never had to worry about flowers or cakes before."

The date was confirmed after John Bercow, the Speaker, secured a licence to hold the services within the parliamentary estate. The licence will also allow members of the public to marry within the grounds.

Plans to hold Mr Bryant's service in the splendour of Speaker's House, Mr Bercow's official residence, have been scrapped as the property did not meet the technical requirements for a licensed venue. The sheer numbers attending were also a problem. The ceremony will be in the Members' Dining Room overlooking the Thames. The large, wood-panelled venue, with its green and gold brocade wallpaper, chandeliers and portraits of past statesmen, has a capacity of about 150.

But Mr Bercow will host a drinks reception for guests in the finery of Speaker's House after the ceremony. The reception will be in the state dining room, designed by the master of Gothic Revival architecture AWN Pugin.

"We're really grateful to John Bercow, who has been helpful and supportive throughout in making this happen," Mr Bryant said. "I hope other people will take advantage of the opportunity to marry here – it is a fantastic setting. It's nice to know that there is now no dividing line between straight or gay."

There will be a ballot for members of the public wanting to marry within Parliament. It could host some 20 unions each year. "It is crazy to have such a national monument, practically deserted on a Saturday, not used for this," said a spokesman for the Speaker. "It is the people's property, not a private club." The Jubilee Room, which overlooks Cromwell Green and can cater for 80 people, has also been cleared as a suitable venue for weddings by Westminster City Council.

Mr Bryant, a former Church of England chaplain, met Mr Cranney while campaigning in Soho with the former mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, in April last year.

Heterosexual MPs, peers and their families had already been allowed to wed in the 14th-century chapel within the parliamentary grounds. However, as a religious setting, it still cannot be used for civil partnerships.

Independent Comment
blog comments powered by Disqus
Career Services

Day In a Page

No secularism please, we're British

No secularism please, we're British

Arguments about the role of religion in national life have recently acquired a new urgency
Harold Tillman: 'Chinese tourists can save the high street – if we let them'

Harold Tillman interview

'Chinese tourists can save the high street – if we let them'
Working as a jail torturer ruined my life

Working as a jail torturer ruined my life

Meet the former soldier who has joined the political prisoners he tortured in Turkey's Mamak prison by suing the generals who led a regime of terror
The local high street jet shop

The local high street jet shop

Got a spare $50m and can't stand the queues at Heathrow? Get yourself down to London's first private plane dealership
Do you like your doctor? It could be the death of you

Do you like your doctor?

It could be the death of you...
The mysterious affair of how Agatha Christie is teaching foreigners English

How Agatha Christie is teaching foreigners English

Twenty of the author's novels have been adapted and presented with learning notes and a CD
Six Grammys, five years off: Adele puts love before career

Six Grammys, five years off

Adele puts love before career
The 10 Best binoculars

The 10 Best binoculars

From no-frills to bins with digital cameras
Milan for £300

Milan for £300?

A cultural family holiday - on a budget - to Italy's most stylish city
'Black-hole' resorts: Turn up, tune out, log off

'Black-hole' resorts

Turn up, tune out, log off
New Arsenal face an old question of credibility in San Siro

New Arsenal face an old question of credibility in San Siro

Remodelled since winning in Milan in 2008, for all their consistency – and prize-money – Wenger's side are yet to claim a European title
James Lawton: This prodigal son deserves no forgiveness

James Lawton: This prodigal son deserves no forgiveness

City would be putting their desire to win title ahead of morals if Tevez plays for them
Mark Cavendish: Is Olympic gold at end of the rainbow?

Mark Cavendish interview

Is Olympic gold at end of the rainbow?
Apple admits it has a human rights problem

Apple admits it has a human rights problem

After years of complaints and workers' suicides in China the technology giant faces up to the human cost of its gadgets
Peter Moore: 'I feel guilty I'm the only one alive'

Peter Moore interview

'I feel guilty I'm the only one alive'