Upcoming Events :
Housing Seminar: Partnerships with the Public Sector – Avoiding the pitfalls
Thu 31 May 2012
Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London, SE1 9BB
Gay couples could be allowed religious civil partnerships
Mon 05 Jul 2010
Homosexual couples may eventually be able to bring elements of their religion into civil partnership ceremonies.
According to equalities minister Lynne Featherstone, the coalition government is considering allowing gay men and women to use religious readings, music and symbols.
Ms Featherstone, who attended London's Gay Pride event at the weekend, confirmed that a consultation on the issue will take place.
Speaking to Pink News, she said this would include anti-gay campaigners and "all those with a stake" in the issue.
Ms Featherstone said that following the consultation, the government will "see where we are" and come to a decision.
The plans have already provoked some criticism, with a Church of England spokesman telling the Telegraph that it would resist such a move on the grounds that it would effectively legalise gay marriage.
However, Mayor of London Boris Johnson revealed at this week's Gay Pride celebrations in the capital that he is in favour of allowing homosexual couples to tie the knot.
John Rees, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors, commented: "This is a contentious area, with deeply and strongly-held opinions on all sides.
"At the moment, there is parity between civil marriage ceremonies and civil partnership ceremonies – neither is permitted to have a religious ceremony in the context of the civil ceremony.
"Any change would need to be very carefully thought through.
"Human rights legislation is there to protect those who cannot in all conscience accept that civil partnership is the same as marriage, as well as those who do."
