Page 30 - Fyne Times Spring 2014

The low-down on same-sex marriage
The first clause in the Marriage and
Same-Sex Couples Act 2013 would
bring a tear to the eye of even the most
hardened gay rights activist. It simply
reads, “Marriage of same sex couples
is lawful.” The struggle, lobbying,
demanding, marching and debating that
has happened over the past few years
has resulted in these seven simple words.
At last, same-sex couples are not just
recognised in the eye of the law, they are
also now equal in it as well.
So having got to grips with the Civil
Partnership Act, LGBTs now need to find
out all about marriage. To start you off,
here is a quick guide to marriage.
When can you get married?
The first same-sex marriages can start on
29th March 2014 for couples who are not
already in a civil partnership and formal
notice must be given by 13th March if
you intend to marry on the first day. If
you are in a civil partnership already, then
you will be able to convert your CP to a
marriage by the end of the year. An exact
date is not known yet, but gay groups are
pushing for it to be as soon as possible. If
you want to be the first couple to tie the
knot in the UK, then you are already too
late. It is expected that Bernardo Marti
and John Coffey will be the first as they
have booked their wedding for 12:01am
on 29th March!
Where can you hold your
wedding/reception?
One aspect of the marriage act that is still
un-equal is the regulations for religious
organisations. The Act puts in place
what has been described as a ‘quadruple
lock’. The long and short of it is that
the Church of England and Wales are
banned from offering weddings to same-
sex couples. Also, nobody will ever be
compelled to conduct a wedding and
can’t face a legal challenge if they refuse.
The Equality Act has been amended
to reflect this protection. However,
anywhere else that has a licence can carry
out your ceremony. The reception is still
subject to the Equality Act and so if the
SPRING 2014
30