Churches to allow gay ceremonies NEWS
It has been announced that same-sex couples are to allow civil partnership ceremonies in churches in England and Wales.
Announced in a written response following a consultation, same-sex couples will be allowed to hold civil partnership ceremonies in the interest of 'advancing equality for LGB (lesbian, gay and bisexual) people', says Liberal Democrat MP and Equalities Minister, Lynne Featherstone.
'No religious group will be forced to host a civil partnership registration, but for those who wish to do so this is an important step forward.' Ms Featherstone added.
The Church of England said it had 'no intention' of blessing gay couples, but other religious groups wishing to host civil partnership ceremonies can apply by the end of the year.
Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has applauded the announcement, but regrets that religious same-sex marriages are still illegal in the UK.
A Church of England spokesperson has said there was no intention of allowing civil partnerships to be registered in Church of England buildings.
'The House of Bishops' statement of July 2005 made it clear that the Church of England should not provide services of blessing for those who register civil partnerships and that remains the position,' he said.
Though this is a 'step forward' in equality, the Roman Catholic Church believe homosexuality is a 'deviation' and is strictly forbidden under Islam and Orthodox Judaism.
However, leaders of Liberal Judaism and the Quakers have expressed interest in registering for partnership ceremonies on their premises, providing the law allowed it.
The Office Of National Statistics reported over 6,000 civil partnerships in the United Kingdom in 2011.
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