British diplomat marries same-sex partner in Beijing
A British diplomat has married his same-sex partner in Beijing.
Brian Davidson, who is the UK’s consul-general to Shanghai, is the highest profile figure yet to take advantage of rules that allow British nationals to marry in consulates across the world.
He wed his partner Scott Chang in Beijing at the official residence of the British ambassador to China, Sir Sebastian Wood.
Mr Davidson wrote on social media: “Love is GREAT.
“I am very proud that the law in the United Kingdom today affords me the same rights as any other British national to be married to whomever I love.
“This is one very real example of how the United Kingdom practices equality for all.
“For me, it means that finally, our family and friends (British, Americans and Chinese) can witness the moment we commit to love and cherish each other till death do us part.
“This is extremely important for both me and my partner.”
Under the little-known law, same-sex couples can marry at consulates in Australia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, and Vietnam, provided one of the pair is a British national.
Mr Davidson has been consul-general in Shanghai since January 2011.
