The Saturdays and Stephen Fry are just some of the British celebrities who have taken to Twitter to celebrate after MPs backed a bill to legalize gay marriage in England and Wales. On Tuesday it was announced that the Commons had voted in favour of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill by 400 to 175, a majority of 225.
It means that same-sex couples now have the right to get married in civil and, in some instances, religious ceremonies.Among the first to praise the passing of the bill, which has been hailed as "an important step forward" by PM David Cameron, were The Saturdays."What an important night for equal rights here in the UK!," the girls tweeted. "Been a long time coming".Prolific tweeter Stephen Fry also shared his delight. "Whoop!!! 400-175! Now that's a majority," he wrote. "A great moment in the slow but glorious history of British progress and fairness. "His sentiments were shared by X Factor's Caroline Flack, who simply said, "About time too! A day in history. "Formula 1 presenter Natalie Pinkham, well known for her friendship with Prince Harry and Zara Phillips, added, "The times they are a-changing… and about time too!", while Steps star Lee Latchford-Evans described it as "A very historic day".
Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills also had his say, writing, "It's been passed", while funny Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins joked, "Yes! I can get married, Now I just need the legislation to sort out my commitment phobia".Actress and musician Heather Peace was clearly moved by the day's events, telling followers, "I can't lie. I Have shed a little tear. Team GB I am proud of us". Celebrity Big Brother winner Rylan Clark was also clearly delighted. "Now whoever is in love with someone can show that love with marriage regardless of their sexuality," he said.Being Human star Russell Tovey, meanwhile, kept it short and sweet with his tweet - "Marry me".