July 21, 2010
Senior members within the Liberal Democrats and coalition government have expressed a desire to allow gay couples to undergo civil marriages and exercise the same marital rights as heterosexual couples.
Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Simon Hughes, announced this week that same-sex couples who chose to enter marriage could be given the same legal status as more conventional partnerships.
“It would be appropriate in Britain in 2010 to have civil marriage for straight people and gay people equally,” said Mr Hughes during an interview with online forum Yoosk. “The state ought to give equality. We’re halfway there. I think we ought to be able to get there in this Parliament.”
The news follows calls from Equalities Minister, Lynne Featherstone, earlier this month for religious elements to be allowed civil partnership ceremonies and marks a definite step towards sexual equality in Britain, if accepted.
“An amendment made in the House of Lords to the Equality Act 2010 removed the express prohibition on civil partnership registrations taking place on religious premises,” added Ms Featherstone.
“This will include consideration of whether civil partnerships should be allowed to include religious readings, music and symbols.”
Mr Hughes claimed that such wholesale amendments to civil partnerships could be enforced before the next General Election and his request will be openly welcomed by the gay and lesbian community.
Speaking during June’s Pride London festival, long-term advocate for marriage equality and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: "The Prime Minister of his country takes it for granted that he can marry his wife.
"We've got civil partnerships, but they are not equality. We want the right for same-sex couples to get married just like their straight friends.
"We want equality that is non-negotiable. We want marriage equality and we want it now!"
