A same sex couple has successfully demanded that a church registers both partners as the “mother” on its official baptism register, despite being told by the vicar that the practice was potentially illegal.
Aimi Leggett (25) and her civil partner Victoria (22) approached St Mary’s Church in Warsash, Hampshire with the intention of baptising Aimi’s one year old biological son Alfie.
The couple insisted that both parties are registered as Alfie’s mother on the church’s baptism register - which traditionally has space for only one mother and father.
Unlawful
Revered George Gebauer told the couple that the practice was potentially unlawful, suggesting that one of the partners be entered as the child’s godmother.
He insisted that it was impossible for the child to have two mothers, saying that he was willing to conduct the baptism ceremony if only one partner was registered as Alfie’s mother.
But the couple disagreed saying that there was “no way one of us was going to be listed as the godparent,” insisting that they were “both Alfie’s mum.”
Bent over backwards
Revered Gebauer, who has been a vicar for 40 years,said: “We have bent over backwards to try and accommodate this family.
“The couple are not even from our parish, so we could have informed their local church and directed them there instead.
“Their sexuality has no bearing on the issue. It was never discussed. The church baptism register makes no provision for it. We can only make sure the child is theirs.
“We suggested time and again that the natural mum be registered as mum. Surely baptising the child is more important than being registered.”
Following the row, the Archdeacon of the Meon, Ven Gavin Collins, unexpectedly intervened and agreed to enter both partners as Alfie’s mother on the baptism register.
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