BROMLEY Council is to rethink its policy on gay marriage after being threatened with legal action by Ken Livingstone over its "blatant homophobic bigotry".

The London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, wrote to council leader Councillor Stephen Carr after receiving a complaint from a homosexual couple living in the borough.

The council has denied gay couples the right to a civil partnership ceremony after laws change in December.

But they will be able to register their relationship under the Civil Partnership Act, which entitles gay couples to the same next-of-kin rights and tax breaks straight partners receive.

It is estimated 20,000 people in the borough are gay.

In his letter Mr Livingstone criticised comments by Cllr Carr, Councillor Colin Bloom and mayor Councillor Joan Wykes printed in News Shopper earlier this month.

Cllr Carr had said: "They shouldn't be seen as equal. Gay marriage undermines our society." And Cllr Bloom said: "Gay marriages are immoral and undermine family values in society."

The Mayor said he considers the comments to be "blatant homophobic bigotry" and has asked his lawyers to look at a legal challenge against the "discriminatory practices".

Cllr Stephen Carr has since said: "I have nothing against same-sex couples but it's wrong to compare it to marriage between a man and a woman."

Cllr Bloom says he sticks by his views.

He added: "Bromley is not often ruffled by Livingstone's sabre-rattling.

"I hope he has similarly threatened the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church, Muslims and Jews and in fact the Government, who by introducing civil partnership as different to marriage, could be accused of discrimination."

The former portfolio holder for leisure and culture, Councillor Tim Stevens, ruled in March the council would not hold gay ceremonies because of a lack of demand.

But since receiving Mr Livingstone's letter last week the council has announced it intends to review its policy.

A spokesman said: "Bromley Council is satisfied its policy for the provision of civil ceremonies is lawful but it will nevertheless review its position in the light of guidance from the Department of Trade and Industry.

"Bromley Council is committed to treating all of its residents with respect and recognises the contribution made to the community by all individuals."

The council's formal decision is expected before the end of October.

Richard Jones, creative director of Modern Commitments in Elmfield Road, Bromley a company offering gay people a civil partnership ceremony has hit out at the council.

He said: "This legislation was a huge step.

"Bromley Council's view is archaic, uneducated and homophobic.

"Even if they review it, it is still too late. People have been waiting a long time for this."

A petition and march through Bromley by the gay community is planned for July if the council does not change its policy.