Couples shunning 'anti-gay' borough

- 11 January 2007

GAY COUPLES are choosing not to tie the knot in "anti-gay" Redbridge, with only 38 civil partnerships recorded in the borough.

The small number of civil partnerships, making Redbridge the fourth least popular in London, is in stark contrast to Westminster which has seen 593 gay couples getting hitched.

Redbridge Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum member Fazal Mahmood, who had his civil ceremony in Redbridge last year, said: "It's not about Redbridge not trying, it is about how many people are willing to have their civil ceremony in Redbridge.

"Redbridge has always been seen as an anti-gay borough. It is historic. The further away from Westminster you go, the worse it gets."

Mr Mahmood told the Recorder that a monthly gay and lesbian night which used to be held at the Eastside Bar, Cranbrook Road, Ilford was discontinued six months ago following homophobic attacks on people leaving the bar.

In two weeks' time the forum will hold its first meeting since becoming officially recognised under the borough's goods and services act. The revolution came after the council approved the draft Equalities Scheme in November.

A Redbridge Council spokesman said: "When civil partners give notice to the borough in which they are resident, they can indicate where the civil partnership is to be formed.

"It is their choice and so the question of how many we actually perform is outside our control.

"Westminster registration district has 80 venues approved for the purpose, whereas we have eight, so they are bound to attract larger numbers to locations which are historic and/or prestigious, located as they are in the heart of the capital.

"Redbridge Register Office complies with council policy in respect of equality of access to service regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation or religious belief and everyone is very welcome to use our services.