FIRST CIVIL CEREMONIES
The first civil partnership ceremonies between same sex couples have taken place this morning (December 21) in Lewes.
One of the first ceremonies was for Henrietta Gordon and Anne Powell of Cleve Terrace, Lewes.
The ceremony gives same-sex couples the same legal rights as a married couple in matters such as pensions, house ownership, inheritance, making decisions if one partner is in hospital and being able to register a death and arrange a funeral.
People can get further information about civil partnership ceremonies by contacting their local register office.