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The Islington Council registrar who refused to carry out civil partnership ceremonies for same sex couples has failed in her attempt to overturn a ruling in the council's favour.

An Employment Tribunal in 2008 had ruled in favour of Ms Lillian Ladele but the council successfully appealed the decision at an Employment Appeals Tribunal.

Her legal team subsequently announced they would seek leave from the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) to appeal further to the Court of Appeal.  

The EAT has now refused leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal.  In addition, Miss Ladele's application for costs has also been refused.

Cllr John Gilbert, Executive Member for Human Resources, Islington Council said:

"I'd like to thank everyone who has written with messages of support for the council during this case.

"If, as we hope, this does mark the end of the matter, many people across Islington and the country will be pleased that the law has been clarified and that the council's position has been upheld yet again."

"For us, though, it's only ever been about recognising the need for all our staff to deliver their public duties to all residents without discrimination."  

Ms Ladele could still petition the Court of Appeal direct for permission to appeal.

Islington Council carries out over 1,000 civil marriages and civil partnerships each year - many from the classical grandeur of the Grade 2 listed Town Hall on Upper Street, N1.

One of the first gay couples to have their civil partnership at Islington Town Hall were Shakespearian actor Sir Antony Sher and theatre director Gregory Doran.  They chose the first possible day after the new ceremonies came into law - so-called 'Pink Wednesday', 21 December 2005.

Affectionately known as 'London's Queerest Borough' due to the high proportion of same sex couples living here, Islington has just enjoyed its most successful Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month ever. Hundreds flocked to art shows, concerts, history walks and themed club nights.