Enfield's gay couples have been quick to sign up to get married.

The first gay weddings can take place from today under new laws which will give same-sex couples the legal rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples.

A total of five same-sex couples have taken advantage of the new legislation and registered their intention to get married with Enfield Council. Two will by tying the knot today.

But some campaigners believe the new civil partnerships do not go far enough because same sex couples are excluded from marrying in church.

Tim Sellowes, chairman of Enfield's Gay and Lesbian Transgender Network, said: "It's a step in the right direction, but it's still not full equality.

"The law actually does not allow gay marriages in church so the Government has signed on to an agenda that gay people cannot be Christians."

Mr Sellowes also criticised people who claim the civil partnership legislation undermines the marriage institution.

He said: "I cannot understand how people believe that excluding ten per cent of the population from getting married strengthens marriage what weakens marriage is saying only 90 per cent of the population can participate."

The new legislation gives same-sex couples equal rights as heterosexual couples in areas such as pension rights and inheritance. London Mayor Ken Livingstone paved the way for the new law by introducing the London Partnerships Register in 2001, which offered official recognition to same-sex couples.

Mr Livingstone said: "This is a great day for the lesbians and gay men, who have been campaigning for basic civil rights for decades.

"Legal recognition of same-sex relationships has been a long time coming, but I hope this momentous day marks a shift in social and political attitudes."