Chris Bryant, the Europe minister is set to make history in the spring when he plans to tie the knot with his long-term partner within Parliamentary grounds, The Independent revealed today.
Bryant and his partner Jared Cranney, are planning the ceremony for March next year in what is seen as a victory for gay rights within the political landscape.
Bryant plays down the suggestion that it is a symbolic move, he said in the newspaper: “we’re just happy to be getting married.” The couple met last year during Ken Livingstone’s campaign for London Mayor.
Bryant continued: “Jared and I are engaged and we hope to have a civil partnership – or a marriage is what it feels like – in March of next year. We’d like to do it in Parliament if possible.”
The newspaper reveals that the ceremony will probably take place in the state dining room within the Palace of Westminster, as the chapel in the grounds, which has seen numerous parliamentary straight weddings over the years, cannot be used, as it is a religious building. Civil partnerships cannot yet take place in religious structures.
Bryant follows fellow Labour MP Ben Bradshaw who became the first Member of Parliament to become hitched in 2006.