COUNTDOWN TO CITY GAY WEDDINGS.Byline: JENNY WATSON Wat·son , James Dewey Born 1928. American biologist who with Francis Crick proposed a spiral model, the double helix, for the molecular structure of DNA. He shared a 1962 Nobel Prize for advances in the study of genetics. LIVERPOOL will hold its first gay weddings next month. From Monday, same-sex couples can approach the register office and put their deposits down for a ceremony of commitment, the nearest thing to a wedding available for gay couples. Liverpool will be the first city to welcome couples from anywhere in the country. Superintendent registrar Neil McIntyre said: ``The ceremony is very similar to our civil marriage ceremony. Couples can exchange rings if they wish and afterwards af·ter·ward also af·ter·wards adv. At a later time; subsequently. afterwards or afterward Adverb later [Old English æfterweard] Adv. 1. they receive a certificate of their commitment to each other. ``They can come attired in `wedding' outfits and their friends and family can do readings or play music.'' He added: ``We are very open-minded. The only thing we require is proceedings must be solemn and dignified dig·ni·fied adj. Having or expressing dignity. dig  ni·fied ly adv. because this is a serious
declaration of a couple's relationship.''
The register office will hold a list of registered couples and, if the law changed to extend pension or inheritance rights to long-term partners, it could then be used as proof of a lengthy relationship. The ceremony, conducted by specially-trained officers called celebrants, costs couples between pounds 125 and pounds 215 depending on the date and venue. CAPTION(S): WEDDING VENUE: Cotton Exchange in Old Hall Street |
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