ConDems to Allow Civil Partnerships in Places of Worship

In the first ever LGBT Downing Street reception by a non-Labour leadership, David Cameron announced last Wednesday that from that day, the 16th of June, same sex couples would be able to hold Civil Partnership ceremonies in places of worship, as long as their religion allowed it. Whilst falling far short of a commitment to same-sex marriage, which some campaigners – including Peter Tatchell – are demanding, it will provide some comfort to LGBT people of religion.

The Government also used the Number 10 reception – the first reception to be held by this Government and the first LGBT reception in the Rose Garden – to launch its Government Equalities Programme: ‘Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality’. The programme seeks to tackle outdated prejudice and seek equality for everyone. It specifically makes reference to schools, the workplace, the family, civil society, sport (which LGBT History Month will be focusing on in 2011-12) public services, crime and justice and international concerns.

A number of celebrities, MPs, business people and voluntary activists were at the reception. Schools OUT, LGBT History Month and a Day in Hand co-chairs Sue Sanders and Tony Fenwick were there.

Listen to David Cameron speech at the event here, thanks to PinkNews.