N. Ireland Begins Granting Gay Unions

[deadparrot]

BELFAST, Northern Ireland - Two lesbians become the first gay couple in the United Kingdom to win legal recognition under a civil partnership Monday, a ceremony that attracted scorn from evangelical Christian protesters but praise from gay rights activists.

Grainne Close, a social worker from Northern Ireland, and Shannon Sickels, a playwright from New York, were the first of several hundred gay couples exchanging vows nationwide this week — including Elton John and his longtime partner.

"We are delighted. Here's to many more," Sickels said after she and Close became the first public celebrants of a legally binding gay partnership at Belfast City Hall.

Northern Ireland, which in 1982 was the last region in the United Kingdom to legalize homosexuality, is now the first to grant gay couples the same legal protections as married heterosexuals. Scotland was to follow on Tuesday, and England and Wales on Wednesday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051219/ap_on_re_eu/britain_gay_marriage

[JVS]

1. I wonder what the Republic of Ireland thinks of this.

Would these unions be respected if N. Ireland became part of Ireland?