Gay Islington couples to tie the knot when law changes at midnight

A gay Islington couple will be among the first in the UK to marry when the law changes tonight.

Peter McGraith and David Cabreza are set to tie the knot at the town hall at midnight while two other couples will also say “I do” on Saturday.

Mr McGraith, 49, who was at the House of Commons along with 60 other activists when the vote was passed, says the marriage is sending out a political message.

“We are thrilled to be getting married. It is a mark of significant social progress in the UK that the legal distinction between gay and straight relationships has been removed. We are also delighted to be marrying within such a diverse and inclusive community as Islington.

“Marriage is hugely symbolic. If people don’t take up the opportunity to marry, then we lose the opportunity to show the world that in some countries, like the UK, we have the same rights as everyone else, which includes the right to marry.”

Another couple set to marry are Dr Lou Monaco and Aaron Erhab, who have only been together for a year and a half.

Dr Monaco, 46, a psychiatrist and marriage councillor who lives with his fiancé in Penton street, said: “We were actually going to get married in July because that’s when we thought the law changed but then we found out it was March.

“I didn’t think the law would change in my lifetime to be honest,

“I’ve seen things develop over a very long time, coming out for me was very secretive and you couldn’t be seen in public together if you were a gay couple.

“Getting married and having the same rights is another huge step for being accepted.”