Family and friends choked back tears of happiness as a gay couple became the first men to tie the knot in Southend.
Newlyweds - Craig and Steven Elmy-Allison Picture: ROB BROWNE
Craig and Steven Elmy-Allison hope they have struck a blow for equality with the first commitment ceremony for gay men at Southend register office.
Commitment ceremonies were introduced in Southend earlier this year and are the nearest a gay couple can currently get to marriage.
The couple, who had been dating for three years, exchanged rings and declared their love for each other before a registrar. Craig, 41, said: "I popped the question. I did it to prove how much I love him."
Steven, 37, added: "It felt wonderful. Even my mother cried.
"She saw my sister tie the knot but never thought she'd see me as a groom."
Craig said he hoped the Government would change the law soon to allow gay couples to officially marry.
Published Wednesday August 11, 2004
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