BRITAIN: Top Government Deputy Promises Full Marriage Equality

Simon Hughes, a top official with the Liberal Democrats party, has promised that Britain's new coalition government will grant full marriage equality before the next general election.

Mr Hughes said a consultation would take place in the coalition government on taking civil partnership to the next level. Speaking in a video interview, he said: "It would be appropriate in Britain in 2010, 2011, for there to be the ability for civil marriage for straight people and gay people equally. "That's different of course from faith ceremonies which are matters for the faith communities… they have to decide what recognition to give. “The state ought to give equality. We’re halfway there. I think we ought to be able to get there in this parliament.”

The UK legalized civil partnerships in 2004.