They are one of the country's best known gay couples, and now Sir Elton John and David Furnish have officially announced they will be one of the first to make use of the Civil Partnership legislation, should it be passed into law.

In a bid to stave off rumours they were splitting up, and ongoing speculation about whether they would tie the knot in typically ostentatious style, Elton and David made a joint announcement on November 15, 2004.

However, they said they would be having a low-key affair that would result in legal recognition of their 11-year relationship. And in light of the current hype over gay marriage in the USA, Elton was quick to criticise the demonisation of same-sex couples.

"We are keeping an eye on how the same-sex legislation pans out, and hope to be able to formalise our union soon," he said. "We don't envisage a marriage in a church in the way that President George W Bush and his supporters would have you believe every gay couple regards as their right, simply a low key but formal and legal union that will be attended only by our closest friends and family," he added, saying the date will not be announced so as to avoid a "media circus".

"We feel, however, that any relationship that has lasted for as long as ours deserves such recognition, protection and respect."

It is not the first time the rock star has hinted at the idea of a legal commitment. He recently said that he was keen to have a ceremony with Furnish and "place my life in his hands with a wedding vow. David is the most important person in my life. I cannot imagine a life without him,” he said, adding that he "had never been so happy".

The Civil Partnership bill, which will give legal recognition to same-sex couples for the first time, re-enters the House of Lords on November 17, 2004, where peers will debate the amendments added in the Commons. If passed before the end of this parliamentary session, it could become law by next year.

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