Brighton hosts its 1,000th civil partnership
Almost two years to the day that they became a legal reality, a lesbian couple became the 1,000th couple to enter into a civil partnership in Brighton.
Company director Sue McCall and Emma Grose-McCall, a lawyer, have been together for six years.
They signed the civil register at Brighton Register Office on 22nd December.
“We had a quiet ceremony but its something we’ve wanted for some time,” said Emma.
“It’s important to have our relationship recognised and have equal rights with married couples, and Brighton is a place where we both feel really comfortable.”
The city of Brighton Hove has a sizable gay population, and on the historic day that civil partnerships became legal in England, 21st December 2005, some of the first ceremonies were held there.
To celebrate Sue and Emma’s nuptials, the city gave the couple a special gift: a 16inch etched glass vase by local artist Lucy Mutter.
It was presented to the blushing brides by Ann Norman, lead councillor for customer services.
“Civil Partnerships in Brighton Hove have been a marvellous success story and we are so proud that couples are consistently choosing the city to officially recognise their partnerships,” said Councillor Norman.
“I wish Emma and Sue every happiness for the future and congratulate them on being our very special 1,000th civil partnership.”
