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World News

Gov push for humanist wedding rights could transform marriage law

by Lydia Davies

On 16th October, the House of Lords once again addressed the issue of legal recognition for humanist weddings in England and Wales.

According to Law and Religion UK, Baroness Thornton raised the question of whether the government intends to grant legal status to the ceremonies.

Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Ministry of Justice, responded, indicating that the government is aware of the strong feelings among humanists regarding this issue.

He noted that, as a newly formed government, they are still considering the matter before announcing any official position.

Baroness Thornton referenced a 2020 High Court ruling which found that the lack of legal recognition for humanist weddings was discriminatory.

The ruling urged the government to address this inequality. However, Lord Ponsonby maintained that the new government should be given time to consider all aspects before making changes.

Addressing Lord Desai, Lord Ponsonby highlighted that other groups with distinct beliefs could also seek legal recognition for their ceremonies, which makes it necessary for the government to take a broader view.

He emphasised that the government aims to consider the issue thoroughly, rather than implementing piecemeal legislation.

During the debate, Lord Dobbs pointed out that legalising humanist weddings aligns with Labour policy and is already in place in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Jersey. He questioned the government’s timeline for reform, to which Lord Ponsonby somewhat vaguely replied that changes would come "in due course."

The Bishop of Sheffield supported legal recognition for humanist weddings, but raised concerns about the Law Commission’s broader recommendations, which could introduce a celebrant-based approach to wedding ceremonies.

He warned that such a shift might undermine the solemnity of marriage.

Both the Church of England and Humanists UK share concerns over commercialising weddings, and have called for a cautious approach to any reform.

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