The topic was debated back in February last year, when States Members agreed on proposals setting out how the current Marriage Law (1919) would be reformed.
“The new law will address the issues raised by different groups within the community and, at the same time, give couple more freedom, choice and control over how the most important day of many people’s lives is conducted,” explained Deputy Jane Stephens of the Policy & Resources Committee.
Pictured: The new law will allow outdoor weddings among other changes.
Some of the major changes include:
- Marriage ceremonies may take place in more locations, including outdoors, in territorial waters and in Bailiwick airspace
- Ceremonies may be held at any time of day, subject to the agreement of the chosen celebrant
- Limited religious content will be permitted in civil ceremonies
- More people will be allowed to legally conduct ceremonies, including non-religious belief celebrants such as humanists, so long as they are authorised to do so
- There will be a more straightforward approach to preliminaries, such as the agreements for giving notice of marriage
Under the new law, all changes will apply equally to all civil and religious marriage types, including same sex marriages.
“Due to the covid-19 situation, many couples who had hoped the change in law would be completed in time for their wedding this year have already postponed until 2021,” said Founder of White Dove Celebrants, Jayne White. “Being able to include the legal marriage next year will be a small positive for them at such a difficult time.”
Pictured: The public were given a chance to have their say on the proposals.
The proposals were subject to public consultation in 2018 and further targeted consultation took place with key stakeholders while the legislation was being drafted.
Once approved by the States, the law will have to receive Royal Sanction before it can be registered in the Royal Court. At that point, guidance on the new provisions will be drafted and the Registrar General will carry out training for celebrants. This is all likely to be completed next year, when the law will come into force.
The draft law and policy letter, which will be presented to the States by P&R, can be read in full here.