Civil partnerships become legal in the Isle of Man today (Wednesday), almost five years after same-sex unions were granted recognition in law in the United Kingdom.
Homosexuality was decriminalised in the Isle of Man in 1992, when the age of consent was set at 21.
It has since been lowered to 16.
The new legislation gives gay partners the same rights as married couples regarding inheritance, pensions and tax allowances.
Forty-two-year-old Nicky Young and her partner are planning a civil ceremony next year.
She says the change has been a long time coming, but is delighted it's been made (play audio file):
Couples can book their civil partnerships at the General Registry in Douglas from today but, as notice of seven days is required, it will be a week before the Isle of Man sees its first gay couple gain the long-awaited recognition.
Registry section manager Ian Gilmore says the basic process will be very straightforward:
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