UK considering gay marriage in churches

The British government has said it is planning to change the law and allow same-sex couples to have civil partnership ceremonies in places of worship.

The Sunday Telegraph said such ceremonies could be permitted to include religious elements for the first time.

The Sunday Times said the proposed marriage law reforms could also end the legal definition of marriage pertaining only to a man and a woman, in a highly symbolic move.

“The government is currently considering what the next stage should be for civil partnerships, including how some religious organisations can allow same-sex couples to register their relationship in a religious setting if they wish to do so,” a Home Office spokesman said.

“Ministers have met a range of people and organisations to hear their views on this issue. An announcement will be made in due course.”

While the changes will be welcomed by gay equality campaigners, they could provoke a strong reaction from some traditionalists and church groups.

The Church of England has already said it will not allow any of its buildings to be used for civil partnership ceremonies.

However, other groups including Quakers, Unitarians, and Liberal Jews are likely to be more sympathetic, The Sunday Telegraph said.

Civil partnerships were introduced in Britain in December 2005. They give gay couples almost exactly the same rights as married heterosexual couples.