Isle of Man Legalises Same-Sex Marriage




The Isle of Man has legalised same-sex marriage.

 Royal assent was granted earlier this week with the law coming into effect from tomorrow (Friday, July 22nd). 

 The Isle of Man is a crown dependency; its marriage laws are separate from the UK. 

Civil partnerships have been legal since 2011 and couples will be able to convert these to marriage. 

Interestingly, too, civil partnerships will now be available to heterosexual couples. This puts the Isle of Man ahead of its neighbour, the United Kingdom, where civil partnerships are only available to gay couples. 

 Marriages can take place in approved premises. This includes religious buildings provided that permission is granted by that religious group.  As in the UK, the Church of England is exempt. 

 Homosexuality was legalised on the Isle of Man in 1992. 

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