SUMMARY: West Midlands police officials happily changed a lesbian's name following her blessing ceremony with another officer and wished them the best, but that doesn't include partner benefits.

Two British police officers, believed to be the first serving police couple in Britain to celebrate a same-gender relationship with a blessing ceremony, have been recognized as a couple by the West Midlands Police -- at least to the extent of recording one's change of surname -- it was reported August 1. Following her June 12 ceremony with acting Inspector Janet West, Police Constable Sarah Thomas changed her name to Thomas-West and notified their seniors in a memorandum. A West Midlands police spokesperson told the "London Times" that, "We see it as a private matter, but we are very happy to change the names as we would in any other marriage." However, according to Peter Tatchell of the direct action group OutRage!, the police service does not recognize same-gender partners as next of kin, and the non-legal ceremony does not win the couple any new benefits.

Other police officers were supportive of the couple. West Midlands Police Federation chair Sergeant Bob Davey told the "Times" that, "I take courage from the fact that the police service these days won't condemn people who don't conform to what is normally accepted. The police must reflect the community it serves. Five years ago it would have raised eyebrows. I would like to send them all my best wishes for their future happiness." A West Midlands spokesperson was careful to say that, "We welcome officers from all aspects of society, regardless of sexuality, gender or race."

Lesbian and Gay Policing Association spokesperson Paul Cahill told the Press Association that, "This is the first time two serving officers have gone through a marriage blessing of this kind. It stands as a really positive example to gay and heterosexual people everywhere. It's about time the law was changed to allow gay people to marry formally and legally."