Gay marriage proposals have been unanimously backed by politicians in Brighton and Hove.

The Government’s Equalities Office began a 12-week consultation in April and it closed yesterday.

A letter on behalf of all 54 Brighton and Hove city councillors has been sent to Whitehall supporting plans to let people “convert” current civil partnerships into civil marriage.

It also includes allowing same sex couples to have a civil marriage in register offices or other approved premises.

However, under Government plans there will be no change to religious marriages.

Council leader Jason Kitcat said: “On behalf of our city’s large LGBT community I hope this will deliver much needed change while allowing existing faiths and traditions to continue unaffected.”