Posted on 12/12/2012 8:42:08 AM PST by marshmallow
LONDON — The British government announced Tuesday that it will introduce a bill next year legalizing gay marriage — but banning the Church of England from conducting same-sex ceremonies.
Equalities minister Maria Miller said the legislation would authorize same-sex civil marriages, as well as religious ceremonies if religions decide to “opt in.
“I feel strongly that, if a couple wish to show their love and commitment to each other, the state should not stand in their way,” Miller said.
“For me, extending marriage to same-sex couples will strengthen, not weaken, this vital institution.”
Some religious groups, such as Quakers and liberal Jews, say they want to conduct same-sex ceremonies. But others, including the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, oppose gay marriage.
Miller said the legislation would make it unlawful for the Church of England — the country’s official church, symbolically headed by Queen Elizabeth II — and the Anglican Church in Wales to conduct gay weddings. The government does not have the same legal authority over other churches, but hopes that the ban for the Church of England will reassure religious opponents of same-sex marriage that they will not be forced to take part.
It also will ensure that religious organizations or ministers who refuse to marry a same-sex couple can’t be sued for discrimination.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
I hope they do legalize it. Then Andy Sullivan and his “wife” can relocate pronto.
“I feel strongly that, if a couple wish to show their love and commitment to each other, the state should not stand in their way,” Miller said.
What about 2 couples? Together.
What about 2 men 1 woman or 2 women ad one man?
You have muslims in your country so what about a 45 year old man and a twelve year old? Boy or girl...
The New Gay Agenda is simply propaganda being distributed and endorsed by governments for the purpose of birth and population control, ergo huge savings for them down the road in the way of entitlement program payouts while curtailing population growth. You will never get them to admit it but deep down you know it’s true.
The muslims are silently cheering this on because once its the law they will start making noise.
The brits will have no recourse but to allow muslim men to have multiple wives. The reasoning they will use is if two men can marry then I can have more than one wife.
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