Gay marriage in the UK - what's the deal these days?

[denny]

I'm sure there are people around here who can point me at good resources to read up on something that I was just wondering about... what is the status of gay marriage in this country at present?

Also, do people think that the recent votes in 11 states of the USA will lead to a change in the status here (presuming that it is still in some kind of manipulable state)?

I'm under the vague impression that although we don't have full gay marriage, we've had some initiatives in that direction, and I was wondering if the government will still move in that direction now that Blair's bestest buddy Bush has had his anti-gay 'Christian' attitude so fully endorsed by the US voters.

Comments

[olethros.livejournal.com]

Off topic, but I thought it might be pertinent - the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland have had legal proceedings initiated against them (http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/1108/gay.html) by a lesbian couple seeking to be considered as husband and wife for tax purposes.

I am dying to see how this one turns out. Not just because of the obvious interest, but I've been preaching the "Ireland is progressive now" and this will be an excellent barometer of how true that is.

[zotz]

I'm under the vague impression that although we don't have full gay marriage, we've had some initiatives in that direction

Yes. A recent BBC story is here.

I was wondering if the government will still move in that direction now that Blair's bestest buddy Bush has had his anti-gay 'Christian' attitude so fully endorsed by the US voters.

No. I'd be astonished. I expect the US changes to have plenty of bad effects, but not in that direction.

[msdemmie.livejournal.com]

From what I udnerstand a couple of areas are *beta* testing civil ceremonies between gay couples. TO what extent these affect the myriad of issues such as property and asset regulation, taxes, inheritance etc I dont know.

I wouldnt hold your breath - I suspect the religious right in the USA who have re- elected Bush will continue thier campaign against gays, abortions etc - guess who is next ?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_nicolai_/]

I doubt repression of civil rights in the USA will rub off here.
Also, to give him some small, well, "credit" is the wrong word, let's just say he's not quite a raving homophobe, Blunkett is after all our civil rights, not just gay people.
A sticking point is the Church of England, and you can't just say "eh, fuck 'em" because they're an Established church, so actually part of our government and legal system.
Disestablishmentarianism could be the answer.

[bjh21.livejournal.com]

There's a Civil Partnerships Bill (http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmbills/168/2004168.htm) before Parliament at the moment, which introduces a new status that looks a bit like marriage if you stand a few metres away and squint a bit, and which is only available to same-sex couples.

[ollyb.livejournal.com]

Legally gay marriage is not recognised yet, but that's largely irrelevant since you can name your partner as next of kin, give them power of attorney and get a mortgage with them. Marriage isn't all it's cracked up to be anyway.

[deborah_c]

Rather appositely, from the House of Commons "forthcoming business" page:


Tuesday 9 November
[...]

The House will sit at 11.30am

Oral Questions – Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Ten Minute Rule Bill – Corporate Nuisance Telephone Calls – Mr Kevin Brennan
Legislation – Civil Partnership Bill [HL] – Remaining Stages
Legislation – Consideration of Lords Amendments
Adjournment – Bus services in Wallasey constituency – Angela Eagle


The debate is happening as I write, and (if you're quick) the tail end is on www.parliamentlive.tv.

It's not called marriage, but in almost all respects the rights and responsibilities of civil partners mirror those of married couples.