Britain’s Gay Marriage Bill Clears Final Hurdle

Britain’s gay marriage bill has cleared its last major hurdle, passing through the House of Lords.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, which legalises same-sex marriage in England and Wales, is expected to be approved by Queen Elizabeth by the end of the week.

A bill legalising same-sex marriage has passed the UK’s House of Lords and is expected to be signed into law by the end of the week. The ‘Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill’ clears the way for same-sex couples to be legally wed in England and Wales by the summer of 2014.

Britain’s gay marriage bill only legalises same-sex unions in England and Wales, with the Scottish parliament currently debating a similar bill. Same-sex couples in the UK can currently form civil partnerships, with many — but not all — of the same rights as heterosexual married couples.

Although the bill enables gay couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies in England and Wales, it bars the Church of England from offering same-sex ceremonies, as the Church is currently divided on the issue.

UPDATE

Britain has legalised gay marriage after Queen Elizabeth II gave her royal stamp of approval.

The queen’s approval was a formality. It clears the way for the first gay marriages next summer.

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