BRITAIN: It's The First Anniversary Of Marriage Equality In England And Wales

Via Pink News:

The Marriage (Same Sex) Couples Act received Royal Assent on 17 July 2013, paving the way for couples to marry in England and Wales from March 29, 2014. Today, the first couples to marry celebrate their first wedding anniversaries, and campaigners are also marking the day. Though England, Wales and subsequently Scotland have all enacted same-sex marriage, it is still banned in Northern Ireland, as well as in Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The couple seen above were among the first to marry at midnight one year ago. They used their moment in the national press to comment upon the plight of LGBT people in Nigeria, Russia, and Uganda.

Fox Apologizes For Birmingham Claims

Via CNN:

Fox News took time out of four broadcasts on Saturday to apologize for four separate instances of incorrect information that portrayed Muslims in a negative light. Several of the cases involved incendiary comments about "no-go zones" in Europe, where Islamic law supposedly supersedes local law and where non-Muslims fear to go. Other media outlets have accused Fox of exaggerations and falsehoods, and even British Prime Minister David Cameron mocked one of the assertions. On Saturday, Fox apologized morning, noon and night. Jeanine Pirro issued the final correction of the day, at 9:10 p.m., for something her guest Steve Emerson said a week earlier: that Birmingham, England is a "totally Muslim city where non-Muslims don't go in." Emerson was ridiculed for his comments, and he subsequently apologized.

(Tipped by JMG reader Alan)

BRITAIN: Those In Civil Partnerships May Now Convert Them Into Marriages

Same-sex marriage commenced in England and Wales on March 29th, but it was only beginning yesterday that those already in civil partnerships could opt to convert into marriages.

Couples already in civil partnerships may opt for a simple conversion at a register office, or a two-stage process, which includes a ceremony at a venue of their choice. The latter allows couples to choose a religious venue, hotel or other venue to host their conversion ceremony. A superintendent registrar must be present for the first part of the conversion, and a religious figure may take over to conduct the rest of the ceremony. The legal formation of the marriage is conducted by the registrar, not the religious minister, unlike in a same-sex marriage for a couple not in a partnership.

Same-sex marriages commence in Scotland on New Year's Eve. Northern Ireland legalized civil partnerships in 2005 but marriage remains banned.

BRITAIN: Cameron Promises Devolved Powers For All Nations In United Kingdom

During his triumphant speech early this morning, British Prime Minister David Cameron vowed that "just as the people of Scotland will have more power over their affairs, so it follows that the people of England, Wales, Northern Ireland must have a bigger say over theirs." He continued, "The question of English votes for English laws - the so-called West Lothian question - requires a decisive answer. So just as Scotland will vote separately on their issues of tax, spending and welfare, so too England as well as Wales and Northern Ireland should be able to vote on these issues." Some have worried that the government will be pushed further right without liberal Scottish votes in Parliament.
  

NORTHERN IRELAND: Legislature Rejects Marriage Bill By Vote Of 51-43

Via the Guardian:

Amnesty International has warned that a legal challenge is likely to the Northern Ireland assembly's decision to block a gay marriage equality bill. A Sinn Féin motion to bring in gay marriage to Northern Ireland was defeated by 51 votes to 43. It was the third time in the past 18 months that Stormont has rejected same-sex marriage. But the human rights organisation said those who had used their veto in the assembly were "like latter-day King Canutes, trying in vain to hold back the tide of equality". Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty's programme director in Northern Ireland, said: "States may not discriminate with regards to the right to marry and found a family on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. "That obligation is clear in international law. This means that marriage should be available to same-sex couples in Northern Ireland, just as it is now in England and Wales and will shortly be in Scotland."

Before the vote local Catholic authorities wrote to every Stormont member to demand their opposition.

BRITAIN: Same-Sex Marriage Opponent Says To Get Over It And Move On

"We’ve made that decision. Parliament made a decision to allow same sex marriage. We’ve done it and I, like all my colleagues across Government, have been involved in the process of making sure that the introduction of same sex marriage is smooth and effective. It’s now in place. The people who have been opposed to this, people who’ve had concerns about it, will get used to it, they will move on, and there are many other battles to fight in the future." - British Defense Secretary Phillip Hammond, who battled against the legalization of same-sex marriage. (Tipped by JMG reader RFW)

RELATED: A columnist for the Telegraph reminded readers about the claims that gay marriage was causing natural disasters in Britain.

Well folks, we had the warmest weekend of the year so far and – AND – the first gay weddings in Britain took place. We didn't have any floods ... Ukip, I'm looking at you. Ukip councillor David Silvester recently suggested that the Government's decision to legalise gay marriage had led to the disastrous recent storms and heavy floods across the UK. Well – shock! Horror! WE ALL SURVIVED. What with the glorious sunshine and all, I think it's pretty safe to assume that God, in fact, gave his blessing to gay marriage (*ducks for cover*).

BRITAIN: Gay Couples Celebrate Marriage

Prime Minister David Cameron Celebrates Start Of Marriages In England & Wales

"The introduction of same-sex civil marriage says something about the sort of country we are. It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth. It also sends a powerful message to young people growing up who are uncertain about their sexuality. It clearly says ‘you are equal’ whether straight or gay. That is so important in trying to create an environment where people are no longer bullied because of their sexuality – and where they can realise their potential, whether as a great mathematician like Alan Turing, a star of stage and screen like Sir Ian McKellen or a wonderful journalist and presenter like Clare Balding. We are a nation that is growing stronger economically because of our long term economic plan. But I hope we can also be a country that is growing stronger socially because we value love and commitment equally. Let us raise a toast to that – and all those getting married this weekend." - British Prime Minister David Cameron, writing for Pink News.

Marriages Commence In England & Wales

Same-sex marriages have commenced in England and Wales!

The law changed at midnight, with a number of gay couples vying to claim the title of being the first to be married in Britain by trying to time it perfectly so their vows are being said just seconds after the clock struck midnight. Among the first couples set to take advantage of the legalisation are Peter McGraith and David Cabreza, who have been together for 17 years. Speaking before his wedding, Mr McGraith said: "We are thrilled to be getting married. It is a mark of significant social progress in the UK that the legal distinction between gay and straight relationships has been removed. "Very few countries afford their gay and lesbian citizens equal marriage rights and we believe that this change in law will bring hope and strength to gay men and lesbians in Nigeria, Uganda, Russia, India and elsewhere, who lack basic equality and are being criminalised for their sexual orientation."

How nice that the newlyweds used this press attention to talk about the plight of our people in other countries.

BRITAIN: On Eve Of Legal Gay Marriage, Church Of England Softens On Issue

The Guardian reports that the Church Of England has softened its stance on same-sex marriage, which becomes legal in England and Wales at midnight today.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has signalled that the Church of England will mount no more resistance to gay marriage among churchgoers. "I think the church has reacted by fully accepting that it's the law, and should react on Saturday by continuing to demonstrate in word and action, the love of Christ for every human being." Justin Welby told the Guardian. His comments mark a shift in tone, if not substance, from a letter from the bishops last month that attempted to forbid the clergy from marrying same-sex partners, and which led to a furious backlash from supporters. At least seven clergy couples are preparing to marry in defiance of their bishops, though none are known to be planning a public ceremony.

Several gay couples are vying to be the first to marry tonight by timing their vows to be completed just seconds after midnight. (Tipped by JMG reader Eric)

London LGBT Choir Celebrates Marriage

Marriages commence in England and Wales on Sunday.

BRITAIN: Same-Sex Marriages To Begin In England And Wales On March 29th

The date has been set. The BBC reports:

The first same-sex weddings can take place from 29 March 2014, Equalities Minister Maria Miller says. Initially it was thought the first same-sex marriage in England and Wales would not take place until the summer. Couples wishing to be among the first to marry will need to give formal notice of their intention to marry on 13 March. It comes after the government's controversial legislation on the issue received Royal Assent in July. The Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat leaderships all backed the proposals.

RELATED: Last month the Scottish Parliament passed the first reading of its marriage equality bill. The bill faces two more readings and royal assent is expected to come in the spring.

HomoQuotable - Elton John

"Listen David and I are [a] very high-profile gay couple, probably the most high-profile gay couple in the world. You have to set an example. If you say, listen, guys, this is our rights – can you imagine 20 years ago? We’d have never thought this possible." - Elton John, telling CNN that he plans to get married on the first day it becomes legal next year in England.

In 2008, Elton said: "We're not married. Let's get that right. We have a civil partnership. What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that they went for marriage. Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the word marriage. I don't want to be married. I'm very happy with a civil partnership.You get the same equal rights that we do when we have a civil partnership. Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships."

Updated Marriage Map Of Europe

We still don't know exactly when marriages will commence in England and Wales, but some are saying it will be mid-2014.  Images via Wikipedia.

Queen Gives Royal Assent: Gay Marriage Now Legal In England & Wales

She didn't waste any time, did she?

BRITAIN: Same-Sex Marriage Bill PASSES Final Hurdle In Parliament

And it's DONE.

The equal marriage bill for England and Wales has once again been passed in the House of Commons, and will soon will be given Royal Assent to become law. Conservative MP David Burrowes had tabled an amendment and was today once again accused of trying to delay implementation of the bill.  The amendment he tabled sought to force the government to hold individual public consultations for changes to secondary legislation. This process was used from time to time on other laws, such as the Digital Economy Act 2010, but it was not proposed for the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill. The equal marriage bill was passed in the House of Commons, and as all amendments added in the House of Lords were accepted, it will not be required to go back to the Lords.

Congratulations to all our English and Welsh brothers and sisters!

BRITAIN: House Of Lords Approves Marriage Equality Bill

The House Of Lords today approved its version of the marriage equality bill on its third reading.

The upper, unelected chamber approved the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill without a vote in London today. Some members of the house wore pink carnations to mark the occasion. The legislation has already been passed by the Commons amid opposition from more than 100 lawmakers from Cameron’s Conservative Party. The bill will now return to the Commons, where amendments introduced by the Lords will be considered. If they’re accepted, the bill will be sent to Queen Elizabeth II for her signature before becoming law.

Pink News reports on the bill's amendments.

The amendments added to the bill will be introduced by Culture Secretary Maria Miller in the House of Commons at 7pm tomorrow, and if accepted the bill will go on to receive Royal Assent, when the Queen is available to sign it. The amendments include a provisions to hold reviews of equal pension survivor rights, humanist weddings and civil partnerships for opposite-sex couples. At Report Stage in the Lords, the bill was subject to scrutiny, and many government amendments were added, in order to tidy it up.

Where Britain's Marriage Bill Stands

Yesterday the House Of Lords finished the report stage on its version of the marriage equality bill. Pink News explains what happens next:

As it is now in its final form, it will return to the House of Lords on Monday for a vote. If passed in its Third Reading, the bill will be different to that which passed in the House of Commons, so will return there for approval. If the House of Commons makes changes, the bill returns to the House of Lords, and can go back and forth until both are agreed. This process is known as parliamentary ping pong, and is scheduled for 16 and 17 July, when Parliament goes into recess. If the process is not agreed by then, the bill cannot be debated again until late into 2013. Once eventually passed in both Houses, the bill will be given Royal Assent, before coming law, however it is unlikely that Royal Assent will be given until after summer recess.

The bill only applies to England and Wales. A separate marriage bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament late last month.

The British Press Reacts

BRITAIN: Same-Sex Marriage Bill Introduced In House Of Commons

Britain's marriage bill got its official start today.

The government’s Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill for England and Wales has officially been introduced in the House of Commons by Culture Secretary Maria Miller. A full debate by MPs and a vote on the proposals will take place on 5 February, with the bill due to be published ahead of that tomorrow. Following a government consultation, Mrs Miller first outlined the plans to MPs in December. All religious organisations, including the Church of England and Church in Wales, will be legally barred from marrying same-sex couples unless they choose to opt in. The Equality Act 2010 is to be amended to ensure that no discrimination claim could be brought against religious organisations or an individual minister for refusing to marry gay couples (or allowing their premises to be used for this purpose.