GAY campaigners from London are planning to turn up at the civic centre in Strood tomorrow (Wednesday) as the council’s cabinet tries to stonewall their rights to enter into same-sex marriages in Medway.

The council voted last Thursday for ceremonies to be permitted – more than three years after a previous vote was overwhelmingly in favour of equal rights. But its officers didn't implemented the measure.

During public questions, activist Adrian Farmer, of Phalarope Way, Chatham, said that if the cabinet continued to treat them unfairly he intended to seek a High Court ruling to force it to come into line with every other authority in Britain.

Mr Farmer led the campaign that successfully ended Bromley’s objections. He wants to plan his wedding to his long-term partner but said it was proving difficult.

From December 5, same-sex civil marriages will be permitted and two couples have already planned their weddings. The first of these marriages could be celebrated as early as December 21.

He requested a public apology for discrimination and asked whether the council was “institutionally homophobic”.

Another resident, David Crowhurst, of Pine Grove, Hempstead, near Gillingham, asked why Medway was the last authority to decide on the ceremonial aspects of the Civil Partnership Bill, a year after it gained Royal Assent.

He said Medway should be ashamed of itself that it was the last authority in England and Wales to make a decision.

Tom Mason, the veteran cabinet member responsible for the Register Office, said he was not aware the council was discriminating against anyone.

“I don’t think we should be ashamed. I don’t feel ashamed. We shall be considering it on November 8, in advance of the Act coming into effect in December. What is there to be ashamed of?” he asked councillors.

* Two Tory councillors voted against a recommendation from their colleague, Cllr Chris Buckwell, that the Cabinet should make the necessary arrangements to fulfil the council’s legal obligations, including the provision of ceremonies on approved council premises.

They were Diane Chambers, the wife of the council leader, and Nicholas Brice.

Nine other Conservatives abstained, including half the cabinet.

Those who abstained were council leader Rodney Chambers, deputy leader Alan Jarrett, portfolio holders Jane Chitty, Howard Doe and Angela Prodger, former mayor Sue Haydock, and councillors Richard Andrews, Ray Maisey and John Ward.

Among those absent from the meeting were education portfolio holder Les Wicks, and former leisure holder Wes Hollands. All other councillors voted in favour.