In the first week that the House of Commons has returned from recess, the British Humanist Association (BHA) has briefed all MPs on ‘Early Day Motion’ (EDM) 667, proposing that humanist marriages in England and Wales should gain legal status equal to religious marriage ceremonies. The BHA welcomes and endorses this motion that asks MPs to support equality in marriage law for humanists.
The EDM, tabled by Greg Mulholland MP, asks:
‘That this House celebrates the values of humanists for their beliefs in love, commitment and humanity; recognises that in accordance with British equality and human rights law, humanists should be treated equally with those of religious beliefs; believes that Humanists should be allowed to have wedding ceremonies outside a registry office like those given to persons of religious beliefs; and encourages hon. Members to support the right of their Humanist constituents to an independent wedding ceremony which recognises their own beliefs.’
Naomi Phillips, BHA Head of Public Affairs, commented on the EDM. ‘At present, we have an unfair and discriminatory situation whereby it is not possible for humanists in England and Wales to have a legally recognised marriage in a manner that accords with their beliefs. In stark-contrast, however, this opportunity is available for the religious. There is growing demand for humanist weddings and we have worked for many years to have the unequal law on marriage in England and Wales reformed. However, it remains for parliament to make the legal changes necessary to permit this.’
The primary reason why humanist marriages are not legally recognised is a technical one; based on the fact that unless specific provisions have been made in the law, non-civil marriage registers must be maintained at a place of worship. As a result, a further civil marriage ceremony is required.
These technical obstacles have been overcome in Scotland, where humanist marriages have had legal status since 2005, and have become one of the most popular services available. The BHA would encourage all MPs to support the rights of their humanist constituents and declare their support for fairness in the law, and enable humanists to have their commitment legally recognised.
Notes
For further comment or information, contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585 or 07540 257101.
Read the briefing sent to MPs
Read more about the BHA’s campaign for reform of the marriage laws
Humanist Ceremonies™ is the BHA’s network of trained and accredited Humanist celebrants throughout England and Wales. Read more about Humanist Ceremonies.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious, campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief