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Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 (c. 30) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which introduced same-sex marriage in England and Wales.[1]

Long title

An Act to make provision for the marriage of same sex couples in England and Wales, about gender change by married persons and civil partners, about consular functions in relation to marriage, for the marriage of armed forces personnel overseas, for permitting marriages according to the usages of belief organisations to be solemnized on the authority of certificates of a superintendent registrar, for the review of civil partnership, for the review of survivor benefits under occupational pension schemes, and for connected purposes.

2013 c. 30

Maria Miller, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Minister for Women and Equalities (Commons)
Baroness Stowell of Beeston, Baroness-in-Waiting (Lords)

Mainly England and Wales, but some sections apply to Northern Ireland and Scotland. (see Section 20(2) and 20(3))

17 July 2013

Between 17 July 2013 and 10 December 2014

Foreign Marriage Act 1892 (in England, Wales and Scotland)

A new clause was inserted which makes clear that chaplains who are employed by a non-religious organisation (such as in a hospital or a university) who refuse to conduct a same sex marriage will not contravene anti-discrimination legislation.

Clause 8 was amended to state that if the Governing Body of the Church in Wales makes clear that it wishes to conduct same sex marriages, the Lord Chancellor must make an order allowing it to do so, rather than simply having the power to do so.

Following pressure on the government to open up access to civil partnerships for opposite-sex couples, a new clause was inserted which will require there to be a review of the operation and future of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 in England and Wales as soon as practicable.

Commencement[edit]

17 July 2013: Royal Assent[edit]

Sections 15, 16 and 21 came into force on the day the Act received Royal Assent, 17 July 2013. The remaining, substantive provisions of the Act were brought into force by statutory instruments made by the Secretary of State.

Aftermath[edit]

In 2013 it was reported that the Conservative Party lost an estimated 35-40% of its membership due to the Same Sex Marriage Bill.[35][36]

Timeline of same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriage in the United Kingdom

Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014

Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013

UK Gay marriage guide