Britain’s gay marriage bill received a final thumbs up earlier today from the House of Lords and will now move down to the lower House of Commons for approval (which should not pose a problem as the House of Commons earlier passed the bill 390 – 140). Once passed, the bill will be handed over to the Queen for Royal Assent, all of which is expected to take place before the end of this week.
Until now, same sex couples were only allowed to form civil unions, but with the passing of this bill, gay couples are allowed to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies in England and Wales. The legislation, however, will have no impact on the Church of England or Wales both of which are legally barred from performing same-sex marriages.
For the first time in Britain’s history, any gay, lesbian or bisexual child growing up will have the exact same rights and choices as their heterosexual friends. The first weddings are expected to take place in Spring 2014.
Our heartiest congratulations to the UK and long live the Queens!