Minister for Equalities welcomes Unitarian Support for Civil Partnership registration on religious premises
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Lynne Featherstone MP, Minister for Equalities, has welcomed the support of the Unitarian General Assembly for the removal of the ban on civil partnerships being registered on religious premises in England and Wales. Writing in The Inquirer , the Unitarian and Free Christian fortnightly newspaper she said:
"As the Minister for Equalities I am proud that this Government is committed to ensuring fair
treatment and equality of opportunity for everyone - including for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people
-
and to ensuring freedom of religion or belief for all people. That's why earlier this year we announced
our
intention to remove the ban in England and Wales on civil partnerships being registered on religious
premises.
The changes will be made by bringing into force section 202 of the Equality Act 2010 and we are currently
consulting
on the practical arrangements needed to implement this provision.
I believe this is an important and positive step forward both for same-sex couples and for religious
freedom.
It will give same-sex couples, for the first time, the chance to register their civil partnership in
a religious setting and give those religious organisations who wish to accommodate civil partnerships
the opportunity to do so. The provision is entirely voluntary - there is no obligation on faith groups
to host civil partnership registrations unless they want to do so. And the legislation in the Equality
Act 2010 makes this crystal clear.
This consultation document deals only with this specific measure and does not set out proposals for any
other
changes to civil partnerships or any changes to marriage. However, over the past few months I've spoken
to a
lot of LGB and T people and faith groups and it quickly became clear that there is a desire from many
to move
further towards equal civil marriage and partnerships. We will be consulting separately on how legislation
can
develop, working with all those who have an interest in this area.
It was greatly encouraging to read Derek McAuley's [Chief Officer of the General Assembly] statement
in support of our consultation. I would encourage as many as possible to respond to our consultation
which
closes on 23rd June 2011."
The full document and response form can be found at
www.equalities.gov.uk
or you can request a copy by
emailing
civilpartnerships@geo.gsi.gov.uk
To send Derek McAuley
Chief Officer a message please click here.