Pop star Elton John and his longtime love David Furnish became one of England's first legally bound gay couples Wednesday in a low-key ceremony followed by celebrity-studded bash.

John, 58, and Furnish, 43, were among hundreds of same-sex couples taking advantage of a new British law offering same-sex couples a legal status similar to marriage. The law took effect on Wednesday in England and Wales. Ceremonies were held earlier this week in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Fans turned up before sunrise in the cobbled streets around Windsor's town hall, the Guildhall, where Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles wed in April. Cameras flickered as the couple - John wearing purple spectacles and a black suit - walked out arm-in-arm, waving to the crowd.

The couple drove off in a black Rolls Royce for a lunch followed by a glitzy reception to be attended by more than 700 guests. "I think it's amazing - it's brilliant," said Tim Alcock, 43, one of dozens of onlookers.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, speaking to reporters at a news conference, wished the couple well and congratulated them for exercising their newfound legal right. Gay rights activists saw the union as milestone in gay rights movement.

Peter Tatchell, spokesman for the gay and lesbian human rights group OutRage! said the wedding "would raise the profile of gay love and commitment." "Their same-sex civil partnership ceremony will be reported all over the world including in countries where news about gay issues is normally never reported," he said. "This will give hope to millions of isolated, vulnerable, lesbian and gay people especially those living in repressive and homophobic countries."

Source: New York Daily News

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