Gay marriage legalized in England, Wales

A law legalizing same-sex marriage in England and Wales, which was passed by the British parliament last year, has come into force.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, whose government has championed gay marriage, has hailed the first same-sex marriages in England and Wales. He has said the reform was necessary because “when people’s love is divided by law, it is that law that needs to change.”

Civil partnerships have been legal since 2005 and marriage brings no new rights — the ability to adopt, for example, was introduced in 2002.

Scotland passed a similar law in February; the first same-sex marriages are expected there in October. Northern Ireland has no plans to follow suit.

Members of Cameron’s Conservative party and the established Church of England opposed the move.

A poll for BBC radio has said 20 percent of British adults would turn down an invitation to a same-sex wedding. The survey of 1,007 people has also found 68 percent agreed gay marriage should be permitted, with 26 percent opposing it.

The House of Bishops last month warned clergy they should not bless married gay couples.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has, however, said, “Finally, after years of campaigning, any couple who wants to get married can get married.”

“Together we’ve made our country a place where we celebrate love equally, gay or straight — and for that reason we should all be raising a glass.”