Equal marriage receives Royal Assent

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act has received Royal Assent. The Act enshrines equal marriage in law, and will lead to same-sex couples being able to marry in England and Wales.

Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill, said:

“Royal Assent sets the final seal on this modest and decent law which will bring joy to tens of thousands of gay couples and their friends and families. We’ll be working closely with officials over the coming months to make sure that the law is implemented without delay and that the first weddings can take place next January.”

Stonewall, the LGB equality charity now intends lobbying ministers to make sure implementation happens as soon as possible, in the hope that same-sex couples will be able to marry from January 2014.

Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove & Portslade, said:

“I am delighted the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill has been enshrined in law today, as it received Royal Assent and is now an Act of Parliament. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act is a historic piece of legislation that was long overdue and I was privileged to support.”

Parts of Kemptown form the heart of Brighton’s ‘gay village’. Simon Kirby is the MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven and a long time supporter of equal marriage.

He said:

“I know how important this issue is to people in Brighton, and I have worked very hard to get this Bill through Parliament. I am, therefore, absolutely delighted that the Same Sex Marriage Bill has received Royal Assent this afternoon. I think that it is a fantastic achievement, and one which many MPs and Peers will be able to look back on with pride in years to come.

“I can now look forward to the first same sex marriage ceremonies taking place in Brighton and across the UK next year. They will mark an important step in the advance of equality in the UK and I believe they will make our society happier and leave the institution of marriage stronger.”

LGBT+ Liberal Democrats paid special tribute to Nick Clegg, whose personal  support for marriage equality predates the Lib Dems becoming the first major party to adopt the policy.

Chair Adrian Trett, said:

“Thanks to the Lib Dems, there was a Government majority to carry this through the house, with welcome support from most sides.”

“This is an historic step for equal rights for same-sex couples in this country. Despite some of the usual suspects’ attempts to derail the legislation, it has received support from across the political spectrum.

“While the Act still falls short of Liberal Democrat policy in several areas, it nonetheless removes a major barrier and cause of discrimination for lesbian, gay and bisexual people in same-sex relationships in England and Wales.

“I am particularly proud that the tone of the debate from supporters was joyful and positive, particularly the vigils outside Parliament that ournewly-engaged vice-chair Ed Fordham co-ordinated.”

Chair of Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats, Brian Stone, has been a long term political campaigner for sexual equality, and was the first chair of the Liberal Democrat for LGBT rights.

He said:

“If there was one good reason why the Liberal Democrats should have gone into Coalition with the Tories, the introduction of Equal Marriage is surely that”.