Members of the House of Lords today called for the legal recognition of humanist marriages in England and Wales, during a debate on the Registration of Marriage Bill currently being debated. Labour peer Baroness (Joan) Bakewell and crossbench peer Baroness (Molly) Meacher highlighted both the popularity of humanist marriages and the simplicity of the changes needed to enable legal recognition. They were supported in interventions from the Conservative peer Lord (Tristan) Garel-Jones and Labour peer Lord (Meghnad) Desai.
Humanists UK has welcomed these interventions, and hopes that an amendment to this Bill will spur the Government to grant legal recognition, which it has continually failed to do since 2013, when the legal recognition of humanist marriage received wide support as part of the Same-Sex Marriage Act.
Baroness Bakewell stated, ‘Five years ago…the Same-Sex Marriage Act promoted a major debate in the House of Commons and in here in this House which spoke in favour of such recognition, but the Government did not act as we had hoped…They mandated the Government to consult. The Government consulted. Over 90% were in favour of registering humanist marriages. The Government asked the Law Commission to do a scoping exercise. They did. And they came back an emphasised the unfairness of the situation as it exists. There has been consultation, and there has been inaction.’
She continued, ‘Elsewhere things have changed. In Scotland there was legal recognition for humanist marriages in 2005. And by 2016, 17% of marriages in Scotland were humanist marriages. This is a popular format for people of humanist belief… In the Republic of Ireland in 2012, humanist marriages were given legal recognition. By 2016, 7% of marriages were humanist marriages. Now Northern Ireland is similar to England, civil and religious marriages are legal, humanist marriages are not. Not yet. Last Summer, in Northern Ireland a High Court ruled that under Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights recognition must be extended to humanist marriages…Meanwhile Jersey has issued a new draft law which is expected as soon as next week. Change is afoot and should be recognised with generosity and sincerity.’
She concluded, ‘My Lords, humanist marriages are not the same as civil marriages. Humanists have a set of moral beliefs that command huge respect throughout the belief communities of this country. Humanist beliefs involve an acknowledgement that we can live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason, and humanity. These beliefs are recognised and held widely in this country and they put a burden of moral behaviour on the here and now in this world. It is an increasingly popular way of expressing a spiritual outlook that does not acknowledge the supernatural. One that is recognised by many of my Christian friends…It is time to legally recognise such sincere marriages for people who come together with a shared set of beliefs that simply do not yet gain recognition in England and Wales.’
Her words were echoed by Baroness Meacher who stated that not only are humanist marriages hugely popular, but that legal recognition could be simply achieved ‘by adding the word ‘humanist’ to the document that already provides special provisions for Quaker marriages…not exactly complex or time consuming.’
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson commented, ‘With humanist marriages now legal in Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, and soon in Jersey, it is long past time that the Government either used the order making power it is has since 2013 to grant legal recognition in England and Wales or support an amendment to a Bill, such as this, to enable this change. This is a simple matter of fairness – of treating humanists equally to religious people. That’s all we’re asking for.’
Notes
For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson on richy@humanists.uk or 020 3675 0959,
Read more about Humanists UK’s campaigns around marriage laws: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/human-rights-and-equality/marriage-laws/
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.
Humanists UK recently changed its name from the British Humanist Association: https://humanists.uk/2017/05/22/bha-becomes-humanists-uk/
Northern Ireland Humanists is a part of Humanists UK, working with the Humanist Association of Ireland.