Bromley backs down over gay weddings ban

TORY councillors have been forced into a U-turn after attempting to prevent council premises being used for gay "wedding" celebrations.

Bromley council caused controversy when it refused to let gay couples hold ceremonies on municipal property when they register their partnerships.

A spokesman said the council considered it important to encourage traditional marriage. But councillors were last night forced into a climbdown following the threat of legal action from Ken Livingstone.

Rebel Tories joined Labour and the Liberal Democrats to force the ruling executive to reverse the policy. The move was welcomed by campaigners, who had branded the ban "hurtful and bigoted".

Campaigner Adam Lott, 25, said: "The views they expressed at the outset were homophobic. It is complete insecurity and they backed themselves into a corner." The row began in June when Bromley's Rightwing leadership opposed the use of council premises once civil partnerships become law in December.

Councillors were unable to stop gay couples from registering their partnership, but objected to their holding parties afterwards.

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