Celebratory plans are underway in Manchester’s gay village after a bill, which will legalize the marriage of same-sex couples in England and Wales, is expected to go onto the statute books later this week.
Parties are expected all over the country and the Lesbian and Gay Foundation are throwing a party at Via, on Canal Street, from 6pm on Thursday.
An LGF spokesperson hailed the impending political landmark.
He said: “This is a historic day for all lesbian, gay and bisexual people across the country.”
The bill has received backing from the leadership of all three major political parties but has left some Conservatives unhappy.
Chief Executive of the Lesbian and Gay foundation, Paul Martin OBE said he saw the legislation as a major step forward.
He explained: “I support equal marriage because every step forward for equality is a step forward for humanity; a step forward to a time where we don’t live in a world surrounded by hate and bigotry.
“A future for our children and grand-children where they can grow up to be themselves rather than fearing who they are without fear of persecution and with the ability to have the same choices as everybody else.”
Picture courtesy of Orin via Flickr, with thanks
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