29 March – A landmark day!

This Saturday, 29 March 2014, the Same Sex Marriage Act comes into force. At last!  Many people have worked tirelessly for years so that gays and lesbians can have the same freedom to marry as heterosexual couples.

It isn’t all cut and dried though. Despite the political will, religious marriage didn’t make it onto the Statute books as the Church has steadfastly refused to incorporate same-sex marriage. The Church of England is tying itself in knots with fence-sitting and compromise. Scotland will need to wait until the autumn until their legislation comes into effect.  And in Ireland, sadly there are as yet no plans to legislate for same sex marriages.

But anyway, it is still a reason to rejoice!  The law of England and Wales means that gay couples can be married from this Saturday.

As a Celebrant I welcome this wholeheartedly.  I never have, and never will, discriminate on grounds of gender, race, religion, age…   Whether your ceremony is a wedding, a vow renewal, a baby naming or even arranging your funeral, contact me to discuss how together we can plan something that is as beautiful, romantic, modern, traditional as you want!

Call me on 07713 278699 or email me judy (at) cherish-ceremonies.co.uk   and let’s celebrate!