“Quakers believe that all committed relationships are equal,” said Paul Parker speaking to BBC Radio Five Live on Saturday morning about the announcement that the UK government will shortly publish its proposals for legalising same-sex marriage. Paul is the recording clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting and therefore often speaks as a representative of Quakers in…
Quakers in Britain have highlighted concerns about the proposed implementation of the Equality Act 2010 relating to civil partnerships in religious premises, saying that they would be deterred by the cost of registering premises and bureaucratic hurdles such as procedures for layout and holding the ceremony and using an external registrar. “If religious premises are…
Quakers in Britain have welcomed the government’s announcement, today, 17 February, that civil partnerships will be allowed to be celebrated on some religious premises, if a faith group wishes. This was introduced as part of the Equality Act 2010, section 202. The equalities minister, Lynne Featherstone has revealed that the government will consult on the reform of…
Quakers in Britain are preparing themselves for further action on same-sex marriage this week after a weekend of activity in the national media. Last year, before the change in government, parliament passed the Equality Act, which will allow civil partnerships to be celebrated at some religious premises, if the faith group agrees. Anticipating further progress…
Helen Drewery, general secretary of Quaker Peace & Social Witness, was quoted on Channel 4 news as part of a segment about whether Britain is ready for same-sex marriage. Here is the excerpt: C4: Civil partnerships will soon be allowed in consenting places of worship and consideration will be given by the government as to…