[Image via BBC News UK]

READ: At midnight hour, UK holds first same-sex weddings

"Civil partnerships" have been legal in England since 2005, allowing same-sex couples the same legal protections as heterosexual couples.

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They'll now, however, be able to have the title of marriage.

WATCH: Same-sex marriage now legal as first couples wed

This marks a shift in attitudes in a country where until 2003, homosexuality "promotion" was banned in schools.

PHOTOS: In pictures: UK's first gay weddings

Scotland passed a similar bill in Febrary. Same-sex marriages are expected to begin there in October.

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