BBC Newsline

In December of that year, Northern Ireland, which was the last place in the UK to decriminalise homosexuality, became the first to introduce civil partnerships.

The grounds of Belfast City Hall were thronged with both protestors and supporters as the first ceremonies took place.

Since that day, approximately 100 civil partnership ceremonies have been celebrated here each year.

However, that figure is only a third of what was expected, based on population size.

When you take into consideration the fact that many couples travel across the border to hold a ceremony because civil partnership is not yet recognised in the Irish Republic, the figure is even less representative.

Chris and Henry Flanagan-Kane

Chris and Henry Flanagan-Kane, as they now like to be known, say civil partnership has made a big difference to their lives in terms of the rights they are now entitled to.

Marriage v civil partnership

Hoping to follow in their footsteps, Maria Sinclair and Pamela Barkley from Londonderry are looking forward to their big day in August.

Maria Sinclair and Pamela Barkley

However, Maria would have preferred a traditional religious wedding ceremony, rather than a civil partnership and feels gay couples should have the right to marry.

Sarah Travers reports.