A church looks set to be the first in London to conduct gay civil
partnership ceremonies after members of the congregation voted in favor
of the move.The Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel in Hampstead has applied to Camden Council for a licence to hold the services on its premises, saying it wants to 'set an example'.
'We are always pressing for greater equality for all people, which is very much consistent with our basic values as a church. The issue for us now is setting an example for the wider community,' said Reverend Dr Patrick O’Neill.
The liberal-leaning church is believed to be the first in the UK capital to apply for the right to hold same-sex civil partnerships, despite being allowed to do so since December.
Unlike the Catholic Church and Church of England, the Unitarians have supported marriage equality.
'There could be a flood of applications from couples and nothing would make me happier' Dr O'Neill said, reported the Evening Standard. 'I truly don’t think we would be rushed off our feet. But, if we were, there are many Unitarian ministers we could call on to come and help by officiating at our chapel. I expect that, once we have a licence, other churches will quickly follow and apply for their own licences anyway.'
He added: 'We need to raise cultural awareness and recognise that 10% to 15% of people are gay, lesbian or bisexual. It affects many families, whether they recognise it or not.'
A Camden spokesman says they don't see any reason why their application wouldn't be successful.