Humanist Marriage
Humanist Marriage

I absolutely agree it is time for the UK Government to listen to the thousands of humanists across the country who are simply asking for a legally recognised wedding that is reflective of their beliefs and values. 

Weddings conducted by a humanist celebrant can be performed in any part of the UK, but they don’t come with legal recognition in England, Wales, or the Isle of Man. I strongly believe that denying thousands of people this choice is unequal and unfair.

It is over seven years since Parliament voted, through the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, to give the UK Government the power to legally recognise humanist marriages. I am very concerned that we are still waiting for decisive progress on this issue.

I also share your concerns that the current legal position on humanist marriages in England and Wales has placed high demand on civil registrars, who are facing a backlog caused by the pandemic. This issue has been raised in Parliament repeatedly. Disappointingly, the Government says it will not consider the case for reform to marriage law until the Law Commission has completed its review.

Rather than wait, the Government could provide interim provisions to enable those who want to have a humanist wedding to do so at approved locations, but unfortunately it has said it will not act.

I will continue to support efforts to press for the Government to stop dragging its feet.

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