The British government announced Tuesday that it will introduce a bill next year legalizing gay marriage -- but banning the Church of England from conducting same-sex ceremonies.
Equalities minister Maria Miller said the legislation would authorize same-sex civil marriages, as well as religious ceremonies if religions decide to "opt in."
"I feel strongly that, if a couple wish to show their love and commitment to each other, the state should not stand in their way," Miller said.
"For me, extending marriage to same-sex couples will strengthen, not weaken, this vital institution."
Some religious groups, such as Quakers and liberal Jews, say they want to conduct same-sex ceremonies. But others, including the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, oppose gay marriage.
Miller said the legislation would make it unlawful for the Church of England -- the country's official church, symbolically headed by Queen Elizabeth II -- and the Anglican Church in Wales to conduct gay weddings. The government does not have the same legal authority over other churches, but hopes that the ban for the Church of England will reassure religious opponents of same-sex marriage that they will not be forced to take part.
It also will ensure that religious organizations or ministers who refuse to marry a same-sex couple can't be sued for discrimination.
"No religious organization will ever be forced to conduct marriages for same-sex couples," Miller told lawmakers.
Since 2005, gay couples in Britain have been able to form civil partnerships, which gives them the same legal protection, adoption and inheritance rights as heterosexual married partners -- but not the label of marriage.
The government's announcement was welcomed by gay rights campaigners, but condemned by some religious leaders, including some of those within the Church of England.
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Avon
Funny how Quakers are mentioned - a far smaller group than liberal Jews. Just goes to show that a small group, standing up faithfully for a long time for what it believes, can accomplish a lot.
Quakers also have different governance. A local congregation answers only to God. Thus, in many or most regions, no "majority rule" or authoritative "leaders" can override what a humble group of worshipers finds to be right. Some may never marry a same-sex couple, but others have been doing it for decades without regard for whether the resulting marriage is "legal." With the new law, all Quaker couples in England - as in nine US states - will now end up with not just a wedding but a fully equal marriage.
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