First gay couple registers civil union in North

The first gay couple in the UK to form a civil partnership hope "many more" will follow. Gráinne Close and Shannon Sickels exchanged vows in a private ceremony at Belfast City Hall before emerging to the cheers of supporters, the crush of photographers and opposition from hymn-singing protesters.

Taking advantage of Northern Ireland's shorter notice period for a legal gay union, the couple arrived at City Hall speaking of their privileged position at the head of the queue.

City Hall officials had insisted that the ceremony was closed and that the couple had wanted privacy. However, the pair seemed happy to pose briefly for dozens of cameras and comment.

"For us, this is about making a choice to have our civil rights acknowledged and respected and protected as any human being," said Ms Close.

Her partner, employing non-politically correct language, said: "We could not be here without the hard work of many queer activists and individuals from the queer community and we feel very privileged and blessed to be able to be here doing this."

She hoped many more couples would follow their example. "This is for all the people who went before us and this is for protection," she said.

Friends and supporters swarmed round as the couple disappeared into City Hall for the 30-minute ceremony which, unlike civil marriages, can take place behind closed doors.

Less than half an hour after the first ceremony, a second gay couple, Henry Kane and Christopher Flanagan, turned up to register their vows in a pink stretch limousine. They wore matching white morning suit jackets, black trousers and red cravats.

Mr Flanagan said the service went to plan and that they would be spending their honeymoon in Gran Canaria.

"It has given us legal status behind our relationship, if anything goes wrong," he said

About 50 protesters, some of them clergymen from the Free Presbyterian and Presbyterian churches, gathered at the back gates to quote from the Old Testament. They hoisted banners voicing opposition and sang hymns.

Mingling with them were supporters from trade unions, civil liberties groups and others waving rainbow flags. The mood throughout was calm despite some taunting between the sides.

Following the ceremony, the couple emerged beaming, waving their rings and posing briefly for the cameras before disappearing into a waiting black taxi which was adorned with yellow ribbons.

"We are delighted," they said. "Here's to many more."

Dozens of guests followed the taxi as it edged through the throng at the gates where both supporters and protesters were in full voice. Traffic on Donegall Square was halted briefly by PSNI officers before the taxi slipped off towards the reception which was at an unknown venue.

Some 700 such unions are scheduled to take place throughout the UK in the coming weeks. High-profile ceremonies involving Elton John and George Michael are expected to be held before Christmas.