UK Considers Religious Gay Unions

By Advocate.com Editors

Britain's government is considering allowing same-sex couples to include religious elements in civil union ceremonies, according to the Associated Press.

Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said the government will consider allowing hymn singing and religious readings in gay civil union ceremonies during a review of gay equality rights.

The Church of England has already voiced its opposition. Earlier this year, Parliament removed the ban on same-sex unions in churches and other places of worship.

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Name: Jeff
Date posted: 7/5/2010 5:14:11 AM
Hometown: London, UK

Comment:
Nice succinct article but misses a key point: this is another step closer to full marriage equality for lesbian and gay people in the UK. Civil partnerships have almost total legal parity with marriage over here, save a few technical distinctions (such as the ban on any religious component) that allowed the legislation to be passed with very little controversy back in 2004. Such differences are now being removed amendment by amendment as British society has evolved radically over the last decade as regards to LGBT rights. This latest announcement was made in conjunction with a renewed promise from the government to examine the question of opening up marriage for all.
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Name: Mark
Date posted: 7/4/2010 1:10:08 PM
Hometown: WF

Comment:
It's nice to see they actually may have include all taxpayers in their tax-exempt programs. You'd think they'd rather marry same sex couples in love than shield pedophiles.
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Name: John
Date posted: 7/4/2010 1:47:52 AM
Hometown: Atlanta

Comment:
I took a class from Rowan Williams when he was at Yale around 1990 or so, and he was truly a remarkable person. He was fascinating to listen to, and his knowledge of religious philosophy impressed me greatly. He would never remember me, but he had a real impact on my life. I have to say, he never struck me as judgmental of me or anyone else, so I have mixed feelings about how things have been going since he became Archbishop of Canterbury. I have mixed feelings about Christianity, too, but I would recommend that people read the 4 gospels just to see what's in there. They might be surprised at what they find.
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Name: Jerry
Date posted: 7/3/2010 8:19:20 PM
Hometown: Washington DC

Comment:
Frankly, I can't see why anyone would want a religious element to their wedding that included involvement by useless fuck Rowan Williams. And Bob could do us all a favor and drink a bottle of Raid.
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Name: ed
Date posted: 7/3/2010 5:45:08 PM
Hometown: Humble

Comment:
Ok, Greedy Fags Bob; has your sad pathetic lonely life finally brought you to trolling around on gay web sites looking for opportunities to voice your closeted pent up frustrations and hatred? Get a llife, man!
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Name: Scott
Date posted: 7/3/2010 2:56:04 PM
Hometown: Portland

Comment:
"greedy fags", that is hilarious Bob, how dare those greedy fags want to be treated equally, who do they think they are?? We may someday be equal in rights and responsibilities but I doubt many gays can equal your stupidity! I personally would never allow religion at my wedding but it is my choice.
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Name: Warner
Date posted: 7/3/2010 2:54:29 PM
Hometown: Salem, OR

Comment:
bob, statistically speaking, if marriage is only for straights, so is child molestation, rape, and spousal abuse, seing as statistically, those are fore the most part heterosexual only activitys. so way to defend marriage. beating your wife, raping your children, and tackling innocent joggers in the park. ~~~~~~~~~~~See what I just did bob. I turned your style of (un)logic back on you. even though statistics show that the above behaviors are overwhelmingly commited by heterosexuals, if you are allowed to degrade a whole group of people, we are allowed to do the same. You better keep your hands off my neice!
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Name: Daniel
Date posted: 7/3/2010 2:45:40 PM
Hometown: Boston

Comment:
@Bob FUCK YOU I think that says it well.
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Name: Bob
Date posted: 7/3/2010 2:41:47 PM
Hometown: HB

Comment:
This is another reason why gay marriage will destroy our society. It's now destroying the valued Separation between Church and State. Greedy fags, marriage is for straights.
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Name: ChrisP
Date posted: 7/3/2010 2:35:16 PM
Hometown: London

Comment:
Oh well, one day "Every knee will bow... and every tongue confess". Including equalities ministers.

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