Wedding bells could ring for same-sex couples

Thursday 16 July 2015

It will be a long engagement but same-sex couples could be getting hitched in the Island by the end of 2017.

It’ll be worth the wait says Channel Island equality charity Liberate and transgender support group Trans* Jersey who are welcoming the Chief Minister’s plans to allow civil and religious ceremonies.

Liberate Jersey’s Chairman Christian May said: “We are heartened by the wording that the Chief Minister has chosen to use in his proposal that says, unequivocally, that ‘it would be unreasonable, and inappropriate, to continue to deny same-sex couples the opportunity to get married’. This is, of course, a sentiment that we share.”

Under the new plans religious groups won’t be forced into marrying same-sex couples if they don't believe in it.

Mr May said: “It is important that all the faith groups in our island reach their own conclusions on equal marriage and, if they decide they would like to celebrate it, to be able to do so when they are ready. The protections being proposed are proportionate and an appropriate response to the problem of allowing people the freedom to practice their religious beliefs within their sacred spaces without interference from the state, whilst not permitting discrimination against same-sex couples.”

Not all marriages have a happy ending and the proposals include an overhaul of the divorce laws too so that there is a bigger emphasis on mediation and reconciliation before a divorce can be granted as well as a move towards no-fault divorces.

Mr May said: “It is a sad fact that divorces happen to opposite-sex and same-sex couples in equal measure. Any legislation that takes some of the pain out of the process for the couple, and any children involved, is to be welcomed.”

Senator Gorst’s proposals will be debated in the States in September and if approved equal marriage could be a reality by the end of 2017.

Mr May said: “The proposal shows just how far-reaching and extensive the legislative changes need to be. It is right that Jersey undertakes the process thoroughly and examines all aspects of marriage at the same time as introducing same-sex marriage. Liberate understands that this will take time but that the end result will be worth the wait.”