A Quick Need-To-Know Guide About Gay Marriage

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By Jon Sullivan [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

The first gay marriages will take place this weekend in venues across England and Wales.

To make sure you’re up to speed on same-sex marriage, here’s our quick-fire, need-to-know guide.
  • In 2000, The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage.

  • In the UK, The Marriage Act (same-sex) received Royal Assent in July 2013. Conservative Prime Minister, David Cameron, was a strong supporter for the bill, but had faced considerable opposition from within his own party to see it through Parliament. Public support however, was undeniable.

  • In a matter of months, Scotland will become the 17th country in the world to allow same-sex marriages.

  • In February, The Telegraph reported that a number of British laws (some over 700 years old) were being re-written to reflect the changes in the definitions of marriage and gender. Of particular concern to lawyers was the passing of title through marriage. So, once again, it'll be impossible for a man to become Queen or Princess of Wales. (Shame, might have livened up HRH a bit, eh?)

    You can read the article here.

  • Civil Partnerships are not being replaced.

  • If you already have a civil partnership, then you will be able convert this to marriage for a small fee (expected December 2014).

  • You can register a same-sex marriage in exactly the same way you’d register a straight marriage or a civil partnership.

  • A couple will need to pay £35 each to register their notice.

  • If a religious organisation has opted-in to perform gay marriages, then a same-sex couple can have a religious ceremony.

  • During the ceremony, gay couples will be expected to exchange words. This is a legal requirement that is normally fulfilled with marriage vows.

  • Gay Couples who have legally married abroad will now have their married status recognised by the British Government.

  • There are currently no plans to allow gay marriage in Northern Ireland

  •  3037 days will have passed between the UK’s first civil partnership and its first gay marriages.

    Remember, if you need any help planning your big day, visit the Pink Wedding Days website for a directory of gay-friendly venues and services.


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