Worksop: Same sex couple are one of first in country to convert civil partnership into marriage

James Walker and his partner Robin were the first to convert their civil partnership to marrage at Worksop Register Office when the law changed on December 10th.

Jim and Robin Walker tied the knot on Wednesday in the town after exchanging their vows.

Previously, only same sex couples who were not in a civil partnership were able to take advantage of gay marriage legislation, which came into effect from 29th March.

But as of 10th December, same sex couples are now free to convert their union into marriage.

“It has been a long time coming,” James said.

“We are happy that after 27 years we are legally recognised as a couple.”

“I booked the date over three months ago when we found out we could.”

“People have been able to go straight into marriage who were not in a civil partnership but now we can too.”

The pair registered their civil partnership on 11th September 2010.

Jim, 58, and Robin, 54, met whilst working at Bassetlaw Hospital in 1987.

“We had a small wedding,” Jim added. “But it was a big function afterwards.”

“We have had lots of support from family and friends. We are now going away for a few days.”

To convert a civil partnership into marriage, couples simply have to attend a register office and sign a declaration in front of a superintendent registrar.

So far, Notts County Council has carried out 49 same-sex marriages in the county.

Coun Glynn Gilfoyle, chair of the council’s community safety committee, said: “It has been disappointing that same sex couples in a civil partnership have had to wait for this change if they wanted to convert their union into a wedding.”

“From now on all same sex couples can now be married without any exceptions, so this is a historic occasion.”