Published: Friday, 30th December, 2005 11:15
David and Derek make history in the Borders
By Border Telegraph Newsroom
Print Article
THE Borders celebrated its first gay “wedding” in Galashiels last week.
David Wilkinson and Derek Mitchell were the first in the region to take advantage of the new Civil Partnership Act, which grants same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual married couples.
Mr Wilkinson and Mr Mitchell, from Stow, tied the knot at Galashiels Registry Office two days before Christmas, celebrating the occasion with a few friends and a quiet ceremony.
The couple, both in their 70s, have been together for over 40 years.
Mr Wilkinson said: “I never thought this would happen during our lifetimes.
“We registered on the first day we could, and we are very fortunate to have the support of our very good friends here, who are helping to keep us calm.”
Mr Wilkinson added: “There are legal advantages to making this a legal partnership.
“If one of us is in hospital, the other one is the next of kin.
“They are privy to information that doctors might wish to give, and when the time comes that one of us dies, the other will have some legal rights.
“It is a great day for human rights.”
Assistant registrar, Margaret Addie, conducted the ceremony in the presence of friends and two witnesses.
District registrar, Edward Czajka, then registered the event and issued the Civil Partnership Certificate.
The introduction of the new act has presented a challenge for Borders registrars.
Mr Czajka said: “It is a learning curve for myself. It is a whole new concept.
“There has been plenty of press interest, especially when you have someone as high-profile as Elton John.
“In the Borders, we have had meetings to learn about the new law, and become aware of all the legal implications.”
Chief registrar, Sheila Richardson, explained the process.
She said: “The actual recording of the civil partnership is called registering. That is the legal requirement.
“In addition to that, you have the option of a personalised ceremony. They can exchange any vows or promises, and they can also exchange rings or other tokens to their partner.
“This is all new to us, so we don’t know what people will choose. We will learn from this as well.
“The training went very well, and we will be able to identify what we think will be the requirements of the civil partnership ceremonies.
“We have based it very much on the civil marriage ceremony, and we have everything in place now.”
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