OUR LATEST ISSUE

Divider
SITE SEARCH
Divider
Divider
Gay News: A series of legal challenges to the ban on gay marriages and straight civil partnerships has been launched.
By: Nigel Robinson

Challenge is organised by Outrage

Lesbian couple challenges gay marriage ban

4 November 2010

 
 
 
 
The application by Sharon Ferguson, 52, and Franka Strietzel, 49, for a marriage licence was turned down at Greenwich Town Hall in South-East London on 2 November.
 
The couple now intend to challenge the law which states that same-sex couples may not enter into a marriage contract, and that heterosexual couples may not have a civil partnership.
 
The challenge is part of the Equal Love campaign, organised by gay rights group Outrage.
 
Over the next few weeks, the campaign will see eight couples – four gay and four straight – apply for marriage or civil partnership licences.

Upon rejection, each couple will take legal action against the decision. The campaign’s case is being prepared by Robert Wintemute, Professor of Human Rights Law at King’s College, London.
 
Ferguson, who is a pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church of North London in Camden, said: “For me my whole life is about campaigning for equality and justice as a pastor in a parish that is known for its social justice work.
 
“It’s a part of my daily life to challenge discrimination but with this campaign what is really nice is that it’s about love.
 
“It’s about recognising and celebrating that we love each other and want to make a commitment to each other for life.”
 
However, she also revealed that she had received hate mail from Christian groups for her part in the legal challenge.
 
“I totally appreciate that they don’t share my understanding of the Bible, that they don’t share my convictions, but even so that does not justify being abusive and making hurtful comments.
 
“I don’t see that a person’s Christian beliefs should stop them from supporting fair justice and equality which is what this is all about.”