First civil partnership to marriage conversion takes place

Stonewall Scotland has welcomed the first civil partnership conversions to marriage in Scotland.

New legislation converting partnerships to marriage was used for the first time shortly after midnight on Tuesday when a couple changed their status at the British consulate in Sydney.

The first same-sex weddings in Scotland will take place on Hogmanay.

Colin Macfarlane, director of Stonewall Scotland, said: “We are thrilled today that couples will be able to convert their civil partnerships to marriages and we offer our congratulations to them all.

This is a day of celebration and we know these ceremonies will be a wonderful early Christmas present for many couples

“Many of the couples celebrating today and in the weeks and months ahead have been together for decades and in a civil partnership since they were introduced in 2005.

“This change in the law is the result of a tireless campaign by many organisations, including Stonewall Scotland, parliamentarians and individuals to ensure that same-sex couples can enjoy full equality before the law.

“While there is still lots to do before the lived day-to-day experience of many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people is truly equal in Scotland, this is a day of celebration and we know these ceremonies will be a wonderful early Christmas present for many couples, their friends and families.”