So great to see happy responses to Chris Matthews reporting on your recent marriage. We need to recognize more gay marriages ...have a happy life, Andrew!

Nin Eckert, East Greenbush, NY

I'm wondering - without lobbing accusations or theories - why Andrew didn't give us information about Aaron? Last name, profession, nationality. I'm certain this wasn't an accident, and I'm wondering why this decision? In any case, long life and endless happiness to the newlyweds.

Mark, Los Angeles ,

Congratulations , Andrew and Aaron! You are a gifted writer and I admire your work very much. As a Briton I raised an eyebrow at your use of the word 'husband' - at first I thought it gave us more information than we need - but it is preferable to the sterile 'partner'. Have a great life together!

John Carty, Medellin, Colombia

Congrats! All the best!

Carolina, São Paulo, Brazil

God's blessings on you both--and what's wrong with calling your husband your husband? You are HIS husband as well, after all! May you both enjoy many long healthy happy years together!

Murray W., Alexandria, VA

Congratulations, Andrew! Best wishes!

Hellen, NY, USA

Andrew - Congratulations to Aaron and yourself. I always love reading your reports and commentary, but this one has left my eyes wet with tears and has truly spoken to my heart. Your vows are beautiful.

Chris , Sydney,

Congratulations Andrew. And thanks for such insightful columns over the years.

Sarah, Sydney, Australia,

"For the first time in my adult life, I will have a home." As an adult gay man without a 'home' for all my life, that choked me up. Here's wishing you have a home till the end of your life

Bu, Corpus Christi, TX

Dear Mrs Randi Reitan -- I just love what you say about marriage and your love for all your children... So warm and true!

Andrew and Aaron, may you be twin souls to the end of time... And enjoy the great day! It will have its own energy. Love and hugs

Robert, Cape Town,

Andrew,

I'm very pleased for you. Good luck. I've also wanted to thank you for many years as I long-term fan of your column. I've had several gay friends through the years, but you were the first conservative influence and you helped me to overcome a prejudice that I had had that liberals were all full of 'womanly, gay drivel". I know, I know, it's terrible. Reading your column over the Bush years has helped me come to terms with the shortcomings of the Republican agenda, and to even (gulp) accept that a Democrat in the white house wouldn't be the end of the world, especially if they reign in Bush's spending.

Don't worry, I'm still conservative at heart, but I see the benefits of other views more now, and always think of you before I pigeon-hole someone based on other factors in their life. Thanks.

Rick, London, UK,

Congratulations, Andrew and Aaron. We wish you every happiness, and look forward to the day when your marriage - and ours, and that of every same-sex couple - is recognised as such world-wide. We were legally married in Canada four years ago and have fought (and lost) a High Court battle to have our marriage recognised as a marriage in Britain. We're calling for an end to this country's segregationist system of marriage for different-sex couples and civil partnerships for same-sex couples (see www.equalmarriagerights.org). Separate is not, and never can be, equal.

Sue Wilkinson, Nunburnholme, Yorkshire

Best of luck fella - I have been an avid reader of your Sunday Times column for a few years now, and am delighted at your news. I got married a year ago to the day - the nerves are entirely normal straight or gay! The day will fly by - step away from the action once in a while and savour it.

Steve, London,

I feel the word husband is fine. Congratulations to you both!

Jean, Chicago, Illinois

Among many "definitions," to husband means to take diligent care of a precious resource. This arrangement between A&A seems like one between two husbands.

A marriage is between two committed spouses--henceforth.

Gene Touchet, Palm Springs, California, U.S.A.

Andrew! I'm SO happy for you and what a profound thing to say about your feelings.
I think every gay man and women SHOULD express these feelings to the public at each and every opportunity. Who ARE the ignorant and insensitive among us to tell YOU that what you know and feel isn't legitimate.
How would THEY know?!

And Mrs. Reitan, I have no gay child or close relative that is. But I believe fully in what you, your family and our own Andrew here are advocating for.
I have seen pictures of you and your family. I've seen you arrested and sometimes your face takes on this quality that nearly angelic...the look of unequivocal and profound love. What you have for Jacob, you have for all those just like him.
He is a handsome, marvelous young person. When I saw video of him prior to the first Equality Ride, I thought to myself....he's already got the air of a statesman.
You make a home for many when you love this well, and bravely.

Andrew, best of all that love allows

Regan DuCasse, N. Hollywood, USA CA

Geoffrey,

The use of the term husband does not have always reflect a preference for a particular sexual act. Two men can call one another husband because that is what they are both men. Getting married does not mean tying oneself to masculine or feminine roles. My partner and I often use the term husband merely to reflect the seriousness of our relationships. Partner can seem so sterile.

JJ Rodriguez, South Pasadena , California

Andrew-

I am a gay man too and I rejoice with you and Aaron in the celebration of your love. I wish you the best and I anxiously wait until I can celebrate in a similar way.

As I read some of the comments from the other readers it becomes apparent that our job of education is still largely before us and not behind us.

Congratulations and Best Wishes!!

Damon , Loveland, CO

Congratulations to you both anf Have a wonderful wedding day!

Geordie Tory, Newcastle, UK

Wonderful to read an article about a civil partnership that doesn't talk about some over-the-top camp extravaganza (see the increasingly inane Sunday Times 'Style' from yesterday if you want this) but is instead simply an honest description of the union of a loving couple.

Congratulations to you both.

Carl, London,

But why use the word 'husband', Mr Sullivan? It is a civil partnership you are entering between two men. Or are you wishing your readers to understand by the use of the word 'husband' that you are the 'bottom' and your partner the 'top'? Gay readers will know what this means, of course. Others can, I am sure, work it out for themselves!

I wish you the best but cannot help think the word 'partner' substituted for 'husband' in the vows would be more honest, meaningful and leave you less open to ridicule by the ignorant and less tolerant in society.

Geoffrey, Belfast,

I completely agree that you ought to be allowed to legalise your relationship and I hope that you will both be happy but please don't expect me to agree that this legal arrangement is going to be a marriage.

Marion Morrison , cheltenham,

I am a mom with a beloved gay son and your last line made me cry. "For the first time in my adult life I will have a home." It made me realize that is why I am so passionate about the right to marriage for my gay son. I remember the wonderful feeling of creating a family, having a home with my Philip and knowing it would be there forever. There is something sacred about "having a home" with someone you cherish. Marriage creates that home. Marriage has given us 35 years of feeling safe and loved. It has given us the gift of being family together. I want all four of our children to know when they leave our family home as adults -- there will be another home waiting for them to create with someone who will love them even more than we did all these years. I long for the day my Jacob finds his true love and we can celebrate his marriage in Minnesota. My love to you and Aaron on your most wonderful wedding day.

Randi Reitan, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Congratulations and best wishes to you both.

Brian, London,