The Speaker of the House of Commons has said that allowing gay and lesbian couples to hold their civil partnership ceremonies in the Palace of Westminster is a matter of "equity and justice".
In an exclusive interview with ePolitix.com John Bercow also praised the "passion and conviction" shown by members of the UK Youth Parliament during their debate in the Commons last month.
Click here to read the interview.
"So far as civil partnerships are concerned, I feel very strongly that this is a matter of equity and justice," Mr Speaker said.
"It is possible for members of parliament and senior officers of the House to get married in the House of Commons.
"They do so in the crypt, the chapel of St Mary Undercroft.
"I see no reason why we should not be able to make comparable arrangements for civil partnerships or indeed civil marriages.
"The prime minister made representations to the Speaker's conference on representation a few weeks ago, for this provision to exist.
"I very much hope that without much delay such a change can be brought about."
Speaker Bercow added that it "isn't really a question of how many people would benefit from it" but the principle involved.
Last week the issue became more pressing after Europe minister Chris Bryant announced his engagement to his partner, Jared Cranney.
They hope to have their civil partnership in Parliament in March.
There are legal issues that will need to be resolved first.
If an area such as Westminster Hall is designated as a venue for a civil ceremony it would mean that members of the public would have the right to use it for that purpose for at least three years.
It was for this reason that the civil marriage of the Prince of Wales to the Duchess of Cornwall in 2005 was moved from Windsor Castle to the town's Guildhall.
Legislation may be required to allow civil partnerships to be celebrated in Parliament.
