Marriage Equality Comes to England and Wales

Same-sex marriage is now legal in England and Wales!  The House of Commons approved the bill yesterday after considering amendments made by the House of Lords, which passed its version of the law on Monday.  Today, the Queen gave Royal Assent, making the law official.  Marriages are expected to begin in 2014!

According to an ABC report:

The law enables gay couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies in England and Wales, provided that the religious institution consents. The Church of England, the country’s official faith, is barred from performing such ceremonies.

It also will allow couples who had previously entered into civil partnerships — which were introduced in 2005 and carry similar rights and responsibilities to marriage — to convert their relationships to marriage.

Congratulations to all the loving couples in the UK!