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[Leicester_H]

There's a lot about this in the news right now. I don't want to get into the rights and wrongs but would like to understand whats being argued about.

 

As I understand it same-sex couples can have a civil ceremony which conveys all(?) the same rights as marriage.

How does it differ from my civil MARRIAGE in a registry office ? Is it any different except in name ?

 

I couldn't get married in a CofE church because my husband was divorced (a CofE rule) - is this different to same-sex couples not being able to get married in a CofE church (a CofE rule) ?

 

Also, is it correct that only Christian churches can marry people in England? (all other religions can have a religious ceremony but also have to have a civil marriage ceremony (either before or after)).

 

Just curious, H

[laurmurf]

Hi Hazel,

a civil partnership is only allowed between same-sex couples and isn't considered a 'marriage' and The Civil Partnership Act states that it will not allow any form of religious activity to occur during the process of registering the union. In addition, a man and woman who wanted to register a partnership but not be married wouldn't be allowed to have a civil partnership. A registry office ceremony is still a wedding and marriage and isn't offered to same-sex couples nor is a religious ceremony wedding.

[Leicester_H]

Thanks.

The Civil Partnership Act states that it will not allow any form of religious activity to occur during the process of registering the union.

Doesn't that apply to Registry Office MARRIAGES as well ??

"Civil ceremonies [which I take to include civil marriages - I'm sure we were told this ??] can include readings, songs or music, but must not include anything that’s religious - eg hymns or readings from the Bible."

So they're the same thing in all ways except in name ???

 

In general, where can same-sex partnerships take place ? Are they the same as civil marriages ??

 

H

[laurmurf]

The main difference seems to be that hetero couples who would like a religious element to their wedding, or even to call it a wedding, can do so or have and entirely civil wedding: and that's a choice open to them whereas a gay couple are legally discriminated against from doing so.

It must be very difficult to be a committed Christian in a committed relationship and being prevented from expressing that love and commitment in a way that others are just because of who you fall in love with.

[snowberry]

Can I be Devils Advocate & state the difference of dissolving a marriage as opposed to a Civil Partnership?

 

A Divorce Petition must be grounded on one of the following reasons:

•two years separation with the consent of the other spouse to divorce

•five years separation

•unreasonable behaviour

•adultery

•desertion

 

A Dissolution of Civil Partnership must be grounded on one of the following reasons:

•two years separation with the consent of the other partner to dissolve the partnership

•five years separation

•unreasonable behaviour

•desertion

Adultery isn't an option here.