Video: Gay marriage campaigner: legislation does not go far enough As one of the first couples to sign on the dotted line after the Civil Partnerships Act became law in 2005 and as joint founders of the Gay Wedding Show, Gino Meriano and his partner, Mike Ullet have watched the development of the gay rights movement with interest. Mr Meriano sees the latest debate as a stepping stone stemming from the Civil Partnerships Act that will lead to further legislation. He insists that young people need to understand that gay people just want equality, and that this can only be achieved by educating people. His comments come as a bill allowing same-sex civil and religious marriages for faith groups that choose to conduct them is expected to be introduced in January, with the first gay weddings likely in early 2014.