A lesbian couple who were married lawfully in Canada have gone to court to argue that the UK's refusal to recognise their marriage is a breach of their human rights. Sue Wilkinson, 52, and Celia Kitzinger, 49, want their marriage to be given full legal status in Britain. The British couple, who live in North Yorkshire, say it is "insulting and discriminatory" to be offered a civil partnership instead.
Karon Monaghan, representing one of the women who were declared "wife and wife" in 2003
told the judge: "But for the fact that the marriage was between partners of the same sex, the marriage would be recognised as valid in England and Wales.
"The only condition that prevents it being recognised is that this marriage is between partners of the same sex."
She said the couple were not seeking a special new form of recognition, only recognition of their marriage in British Columbia where unions between same sex partners are lawful.
"Their marriage displays the same characteristics as any other marriage - love, warmth, affection, interdependence and support for each other," she added.
The High Court hearing, set to take place over four days, has dismayed many Christian groups.
They fear it could undermine the institution of marriage.
The pair, who have been together for 16 years, wed in August 2003 in British Columbia, one of the first jurisdictions in the world to recognise same-sex marriages.
Their test case under English law is one of several around the world - similar challenges have been mounted in Ireland, Israel, New Zealand and Hong Kong.
The legal move is backed by human rights group Liberty, which is providing legal representation.
It is also being supported by the gay rights campaign OutRage!, which sees the case as a bid to end "sexual apartheid and institutional homophobia".
Ken R
I persoanlly, do not see why the government is dragging its heels over the issue of recognising same sex marriages !
So what are they saying ? that only opposite sex couples can love each other, commit to each other and have meaningful relationships ?
If a woman can love a man for life, commit to man and remain faithful to a man, what's to stop her from utilising those feelings toward another woman ? and I'm sure the same criteria can be applied to men.
I am all for live and let live, everyone has a right to happiness in life and as long as they are not harming anyone else, I can't see what the problem is
We are all capable of the same feelings, it's just that some direct them to members of the opposite sex whilst others are attracted to the same sex.
I was happily married for 13 years but it all went wrong, does that mean it would have worked if I had been with a member of my own sex ? I doubt it !
I don't know why everyone can not just be left ot get on with their own lives, however they choose to live them.
Sandie Seward
Great post Ken. My sentiments exactly......although Lou and I have no immediate plans to marry........
Ken R
[quote="admin"] Great post Ken. My sentiments exactly......although Lou and I have no immediate plans to marry........ [/quote]
Bang goes my chance to get another new hat
If it's any consolation, I have no plans to get married either....EVER
Great post Ken. My sentiments exactly......although Lou and I have no immediate plans to marry........ 
