Over 6,000 gay couples joined

6,517 couples have got partnered since the Civil Partnership Act in December.

Male couples make up the majority at 4,311 with female couples at 2,206. The figures cover December 2005 to March 2006.

Story from 3SIXTY magazine - www.3sixtymag.co.uk

Published: 21st August 2006 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)

Gay church planned for Cardiff

An openly gay priest plans to build a church in Cardiff where same-sex couples can get married.

Evangelical minister Mark Paris and his boyfriend John Allen have applied for Heritage Lottery Funding to build a church in the city. They have agreed that if they are not successful they will find a derelict church and do it up themselves.

Mark, aged 26, and John, 34, who aim to marry next year, already offer private baptisms in the front room of the couple's home.

"My ambition is to make gay marriage legal in the eyes of the church, not just a civil ceremony," said Mark.

Story from 3SIXTY magazine - www.3sixtymag.co.uk

Published: 21st August 2006 by Lee (updated Thu 21st Jan)