Minister backs end to law blocking open-air weddings in Jersey

Friday 10 July 2015

Proposals to end the law blocking open-air weddings have gained the backing of the minister in charge of marriage legislation.

Home Affairs Minister Kristina Moore has recommended that the States back the proposal when it comes up for debate next week.

But she says that politicians shouldn’t approve the other half of Deputy Louise Doublet’s proposition calling for reform of Jersey’s outdated marriage legislation. That part of the proposal says that humanist weddings should also be made legal – the minister has asked Members to hold off on approving humanist weddings until reviews taking place in the UK and Wales are finished.

If Deputy Doublet manages to win approval for the open-air wedding part of her proposal, it will mark a rare double win for a newcoming backbencher to the States. Weeks ago, she persuaded the States to amend discrimination laws to protect the rights of mothers to breastfeed their children in any place.

Deputy Moore’s comments, published ahead of next week’s debate on marriage reform, say that appropriate safeguards including ensuring consent of landowners, that the location is identifiable, safe and “befitting to solemnity of marriage” should be put in place.

She sais: “The legislative changes, and associated safeguards, required to allow for open-air weddings and to provide more flexibility within the content of civil weddings are relatively easy to achieve.

“Given that approximately 60 – 70% of Jersey couples choose civil marriage ceremonies this is likely to be of benefit to significantly more people than just humanists, or others subscribing to specific non-religious beliefs.

“It is recommended that [the proposition] is adopted and that, following consultation with key stakeholders, the appropriate legislation is brought forward.”