University accepts 'gay weddings'

St Martin's Priory, Canterbury, is licensed to hold civil marriages

A university which had been at the centre of a row over a decision not to allow same sex "weddings" on its premises has reversed its policy.

Canterbury Christ Church University had faced a storm of protest, but a meeting this week decided it should continue to accept bookings for civil ceremonies.

The vice chancellor, Professor Michael Wright, said the decision was "in view of the forthcoming change in the law".

It has two licensed premises, in Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells.

Lecturers and students had been opposed to any ban and there had been calls for resignations.

The latest announcement follows a meeting of the university's governing body, which considered the impending Equality Act, which will make it illegal to refuse services on the basis of gender.

The university owns St Martin's Priory in Canterbury and Salomons in Tunbridge Wells, both licensed for civil marriages.