Consultation Period For Same Sex Civil Marriage is at an End

by Hermione Avila - Paralegal

14 June 2012, filed under Personal Law Articles

 Today the consultation period for civil marriage between same sex couples ends. Many people will have completed the Home Office survey and expressed their opinions, the Church of England have certainly had their fair share to say about the matter in the last few months! The church argues that currently the definition of marriage is the lifelong union of a man and woman and that this definition would therefore have to be changed to the lifelong union of any couple. The government is adamant that the plans to bring in equal marriage laws will go ahead but called for a three month consultation period in order for supporters and opponents to put their views across.

Whilst the government argues that as it will be civil marriage no religious buildings will be compelled to perform the ceremonies, there is concern that the European Court of Human Rights may force the church’s hand to perform gay marriage ceremonies should the definition of married be changed.

It seems that support for same sex marriage is at it’s highest ever. Ben and Jerry’s the famous ice cream makers have even changed the names of their range of ice creams to show their support, with “oh My Apple Pie” becoming “Apple-y Ever After” and “Chubby Hubby” to “Hubby Hubby” both tubs feature a picture of a wedding cake with two grooms in tuxes at the top.

Whatever your stance on same sex marriages, we should find out fairly soon what mass public opinion has been and see how the church deals with the future. For further information about gay marriage check the BBC news site for their latest posts.