Four gay couples will apply to wed next month and four straight couples attempt to be granted civil partnerships in  a bid to highlight the UK’s controversial marriage laws.

Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell and campaign group OutRage! are behind the Equal Love Campaign, set to challenge the UK bans on gay marriage and civil partnerships for straight couples.

One couple each week between 2 November and 14 December will submit an application. The couples will register for their ceremonies and take their case to court if they are not allowed to go ahead.

Although civil partnerships offer gay couples the same rights as marriage, the ceremonies are different and cannot currently be held in a place of religious significance.

Mr Tatchell said in a statement: “Our aim is to secure equality in civil marriage and civil partnership law. We want both systems open to all couples, gay and straight, so that everyone has a free and equal choice.

Robert Wintemute, Professor of Human Rights Law at Kings College London, is preparing the legal case. He said, “These bans violate the UK’s Human Rights Act and are open to challenge in the courts.”

He continued, “We will argue in the courts that in a democratic society gay and straight couples should be equal before the law. Both civil marriages and civil partnerships should be open to everyone without discrimination.”

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