Hundreds of gay
couples register for civil unions in England

More than 600 same-sex couples plan to form civil partnerships in England and Wales on Wednesday, December 21, the first day that ceremonies become possible. Among those planning to take advantage of the day are rock star Sir Elton John and his longtime partner, David Furnish.

Altogether, 687 couples have registered for civil partnerships on Wednesday. The partnerships give gay couples most of the same legal rights as married heterosexuals. The General Register Office said on Friday that 13 couples had been granted waivers of the 15-day waiting period and had already formalized their partnerships. (AP)