PressenzaLondon, 2/1/10"Our plan is for several gay and straight couples to file a joint application to the European Court of Human Rights, to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage and opposite-sex civil partnerships. The aim is to secure full equality in civil marriage and civil partnership law. We want both systems open to all couples, gay and straight, so that everyone has a free choice, without discrimination," said Peter Tatchell, spokesperson for OutRage!

"Denying couples the right to civil marriage and civil partnership on the basis of their sexual orientation is wrong and has to go.

"OutRage! is seeking three lesbian and gay couples willing to be part of a joint legal case to overturn the same-sex marriage ban. We already have one straight couple, Tom Freeman and Katherine Doyle, who are willing to challenge the ban on opposite-sex civil partnerships. We need two more straight couples.

"Tom and Katherine filed an application for a civil partnership at Islington registry office last November. They were rejected because, under UK law, civil partnerships are open to only same-sex couples. This legal exclusion mirrors the way civil marriage is available solely to heterosexual partners.

"We plan to take these cases to the European Court of Human Rights, in a bid to secure marriage equality and civil partnership equality for all couples, regardless of their sexuality.

"We are looking for same-sex couples who have been together for at least three years, ideally live in or near London, feel comfortable talking to the media, have no skeletons in their closet, don't have a civil partnership and who want a civil marriage.

"They need to be willing to commit to the legal case for at least five years, which is the length of time it can take to complete an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights," said Mr Tatchell.

Willing and suitable couples should email Peter Tatchell: peter@petertatchell.net

For further information: Peter Tatchell +44 207 403 1790