Religious service for Civil Partnerships draws nearer
Judy Kirby reports on developments that may bring same-sex marriage a step closer
Support is gathering behind the amendment to the Equality Bill presented by gay Labour peer lord Alli that would lift the ban on Civil Partnerships taking place in religious premises. After an earlier defeat, lord Alli is trying again in the House of Lords on Tuesday, when Anglican bishops are expected to give support to his amendment. Quakers made the running on this issue when they agreed at their yearly meeting last summer to treat same-sex committed relationships the same as opposite sex ones, stopping short of asking Quaker registrars to break the law.
Liberal Judaism and Unitarians have joined the Quakers in calling on the government to allow a change in the law permitting same-sex couple to have their partnerships registered in churches, synagogues and other religious premises and to enjoy religious language in the ceremony.
Gillian Ashmore, recording clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting the main Quaker body commented: ‘Lord Alli’s amendment to the Equality Bill will end the ban on using religious premises and religious language for civil partnerships. It will provide the choice for same sex couples of a religious ceremony as is already enjoyed by opposite sex couples. Along with Unitarians, Liberal Judaism and others, we welcome the support for that amendment. We are encouraged by the government’s willingness to listen, consult and consider.’
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