U.K. plan would allow same-sex unions in church

Move would bring Britain closer to countries such as the Netherlands and Canada
2/13/2011

LONDON — British media reported Sunday the government is preparing to erase some of the last remaining distinctions between gay partnership and traditional marriage — allowing gay couples to tie the knot in churches in ceremonies that may be officially known as marriages.

Britain's Home Office declined comment on the reports, but indicated that an announcement would be made soon.

Marriage and civil partnership are already virtually identical under British law, but because same sex unions are carried out by government registrars, the ceremony must take place in a public building and religious references are banned.

Some activists also argue that the different titles — "marriage" versus "civil partnership" — means that there's still a subtle stigma attached to same sex relationships, and a group is now pressing the case to make civil partnership and marriage available to all couples. the rest

Christians alarmed by Coalition plans to allow gay civil partnership ceremonies in churches
The Archbishop of York is among Christians speaking out against the Government’s plans to allow same-sex couples to have their civil partnership ceremonies in churches, synagogues and other places of worship...