'This certificate, it’s a massive milestone'

Paul Burgess (left) and Jason Bromley.

IT was a historic moment for Paul Burgess and Jason Bromley as they become the second gay couple in Oldham to convert their civil partnership and receive a certificate of marriage, at Chadderton Town Hall yesterday.

Paul and Jason, from Limeside Road, Limeside, met while studying at Oldham College in 1997 and have been together ever since.

The happy couple enjoyed a quiet ceremony and they will celebrate with family and friends tomorrow.

They had their civil partnership ceremony on their anniversary in 2009 at Chadderton Town Hall, so it was only natural that they returned there for another milestone.

Paul is a community support worker for Keyring, a charity that supports vulnerable people to live independently. He also founded the Pink Triangle Theatre Company.

The pair also created the Performance Plaza, based in Ashton Road, Failsworth, which runs various classes and groups for young people.

Paul (45) said: “It means equality. I think that simple statement and word says everything. It means in the eyes of the law, my relationship with the person I love and want to spend the rest of my life with is no longer seen as different, less than, or inferior. It’s equal.

“This piece of paper, the certificate of marriage, that’s a massive milestone.”

Jason, (35) who works as a health improvement manager in the NHS, said: “For me it’s a celebration of equality.

“Just to be able to say I’m married is really important.”