Britain's Europe Minister Chris Bryant has taken part in Parliament's first gay marriage, celebrating a civil partnership ceremony at the historic venue.
Bryant, a member of the governing Labour Party, won permission to hold his civil partnership ceremony with partner Jared Cranney at the Palace of Westminster — home to the Houses of Parliament.
Britain has officially recognized same-sex civil partnerships since 2005, giving the couples the same legal protection and inheritance rights as in heterosexual marriages.
Bryant lobbied House of Commons speaker John Bercow to apply for a license to host his civil partnership ceremony.
Members of the public will also now be allowed to apply to hold their same-sex ceremonies at Parliament.
Copyright 2010 AP News
