Press release

Rainbow flag to be flown on Whitehall for first same sex weddings

The rainbow flag will fly above the Cabinet Office and Scotland Office this weekend as the first same sex weddings take place in Britain.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Rainbow flag and Union Jack flag on a flagpole above 70 Whitehall

The rainbow flag will fly above the Cabinet Office and Scotland Office this weekend. The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg has asked for the flag to be flown to mark the historic milestone for civil rights, as the first same sex weddings take place in Britain.

Ceremonies are expected in England and Wales from this Saturday (29 March) and throughout the weekend after the Marriage (Same Sex) Act was passed in July 2013.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

As all the same sex couples make their vows this weekend, they will be making history.

Finally, after years of campaigning, any couple who wants to get married can get married. Together we’ve made our country a place where we celebrate love equally, gay or straight – and for that reason we should all be raising a glass.

Raising the rainbow flag on Whitehall is a small symbol to celebrate a massive achievement. I want to wish everyone getting married this weekend the very best of luck, on what is a truly momentous occasion.

The rainbow flag will be flown on the Cabinet Office (70 Whitehall) and the Scotland Office from Friday (28 March) afternoon until Monday (31 March) morning.

Published 26 March 2014