Millionaire gay couple, the Drewitt-Barlows, have confirmed they have “launched” a legal challenge to the right of churches to opt out of gay weddings.
In fresh comments published by the Chelmsford Weekly News today, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow said the legal action had started.
He said: “We’ve launched a challenge to the Government’s decision to allow some religious groups to opt out of marrying same-sex couples.
Church
“We feel we have the right as parishioners in our village to utilise the church we attend to get married.”
“It is no reflection on our local church, who have been nothing but supportive towards us.
“We understand their hands are tied by a higher group of people within the church.”
Shame
Earlier this month, Mr Drewitt-Barlow said he and his civil partner, Tony, would go to court to force gay weddings on churches.
He said at the time: “The only way forward for us now is to make a challenge in the courts against the church.
“It is a shame that we are forced to take Christians into a court to get them to recognise us.”
Want
He added: “It upsets me because I want it so much – a big lavish ceremony, the whole works, I just don’t think it is going to happen straight away.
“As much as people are saying this is a good thing I am still not getting what I want.”
A Government Bill legalising same-sex marriage cleared Parliament earlier this year, and the first same-sex weddings are expected in 2014.
Protection
The legislation allows churches to opt-out of performing gay weddings, and it specifically protects the Church of England.
However, top human rights lawyer Aidan O’Neill QC said the protection for the Anglican Church was “eminently challengeable” in court.
A copy of Mr O’Neill’s legal advice was sent to the Prime Minister in January, but Mr Cameron nevertheless proceeded with the legislation.