Bromley’s Gay and Lesbian community in Kent, is gearing up for this Saturday’s march through the town centre to demonstrate against Bromley Council’s refusal to allow same sex ceremonies in their municipal buildings – including the register office, where, from December, Civil Partnerships will be registered.

This is the first public demonstration Bromley has witnessed for a number of years.  Mimi Broit, one of the organisers, says she has received very positive feedback about the march.

“It’s going to cause a lot of disruption to Bromley roads. I hope the council are proud of themselves,” she said.

Organisers have stressed that this will be a peaceful march.  It will start from the Crown and Anchor public house in Park Road at 12 noon and go through the town centre to the Bromley Civic Centre where a petition will be handed in to the council.

Bromley Police are making plans to ensure the safety of the marchers.  “We won’t be closing roads but there will be traffic concerns,” said Inspector Jeremy Smith.

“We may have to stop cars to facilitate the march along certain roads.  We’ve been told there will be about 200 people but the march has received wide publicity so we have to plan ahead.”

The march has been organised by Pink Pendulum Greeting Cards and Pink Weddings gay ‘wedding’ planners

Full details of the event and route map can be found on the campaign web site www.bromley.gaypettswood.com

■  Many local authorities have already pledged that ceremonies will be available for same-sex couples who register a civil partnership.  Recently, Oxfordshire said that ceremonies would be available in the same was as are offered to civil heterosexual marriages.

■  And on Thursday, Gloucestershire are scheduled to reveal their plans at a meeting of the Gloucestershire Gay & Lesbian Community on Thursday evening (July 28) at the St. Mary de Crypt Schoolroom, Southgate Street, Gloucester.

■  In Northern Ireland, the Lisburn City Council has banned the use of the municipal Cherry Room for Civil Partnership ceremonies. 

26 July 2005