‘Government proposals for same-sex marriage are welcome, but must not entrench new forms of discrimination’, the British Humanist Association (BHA) has commented in response to the government’s announcement of a consultation into the reform of civil marriage.
Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone MP announced to the Liberal Democrat party conference the government will launch a consultation in March 2012 on how to introduce civil marriage for same-sex couples. However, non-civil marriages such as religious or humanist services are not to be included.
Commenting on the announcement, BHA head of Public Affairs Naomi Phillips said, ‘This move towards equal marriage laws for gay and straight couples is extremely welcome. The BHA has long campaigned for equality in our marriage laws, and we will support the government in introducing reforms as quickly as possible.
‘However, while we welcome steps towards reform that would enable same-sex couples to marry, we are disappointed that this consultation will preclude any possibility of full reform by being solely focused on civil marriage, and in turn may serve to perpetuate the unjust absence of legal recognition for humanist wedding ceremonies.
‘At present, humanist wedding ceremonies in England and Wales have no legal standing, and must be supplemented by a civil marriage or partnership service. This is despite the enormous popularity of humanist ceremonies in the UK, as exemplified by the Scottish experience, where legally recognised humanist weddings now outstrip the number of Roman Catholic services.’
Ms Phillips continued: ‘Although the government’s willingness for reform is evident, we find it concerning that they are essentially creating a new form of discrimination against gay humanists. We would urge the government to expand the scope of their proposals to permit all couples, either straight or gay, to have a legally binding wedding ceremony that reflects their beliefs, whether this be humanist, or a ceremony by religious groups including Quakers, liberal synagogues and Unitarians who wish to hold these services.’
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For further comment, detail or information, contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for a secular state.