Over 100 people took the streets of Bromley on Saturday to protest at the council’s decision to ban Civil Partnership ceremonies in all their municipal buildings, including the register office.

The peaceful march started at the Crown and Anchor Public House and made its way through Bromley to the Civil Hall, where Gino Meriano, founder of Pink Weddings, handed in a petition from thousands of outraged gay and straight residents.

“The march brought Bromley to a stand still,” Meriano told GaydarNation.

“We started with an official count of 100 protesters and picked up lots of people and support along the way. We were ecstatic with the turn out. Everyone did what they were supposed to and it was all received very positively.”

Outside the City Hall, Meriano spoke about the importance of the new Civil Partnership law, acceptance in society and how this kind of action from Bromley cannot be accepted in today’s society.

He said the march sent a message across the UK to stop discrimination when it comes to couples seeking to seal their love and commitment to each other.

Additional guest speakers Liam Curran and Glen Kelly from Unison both spoke about the outrage caused by Bromley and how this march is the start of raising awareness to councils.

Meriano said that they knew the march and petition would not immediately change the council’s decision, but there was a meeting in October where the ban would be discussed which they would work towards.

“The campaign will continue,” said Meriano, “so please join the campaign.”

Last month the Mayor of London announced that he was considering taking legal action over the council’s decision and urged them to rethink its policy relating to gay couples.

Whilst gay couples will be able to register their relationships when the Civil Partnership Acts comes into force on 5 December, they will not be able to have a ceremony if they wish to.

Livingstone said it was “extraordinary that a London council should be so mean spirited as to deny couples such a ceremony on what should be one of the happiest days of their lives.”

Photos by Duncan, www.bromley.gaypettswood.com