Same sex marriage now illegal

He may have forgotten that women can be homosexuals too and that women also join gangs and use guns, although not in the same numbers as men. But that apart, reading about what he said made me wonder what his thinking would be on the question of same-sex marriage which became legal in the UK a week ago.

Yes, for the first time ever, same-sex couples are now legally allowed to get married in England and Wales. Scotland passed a similar law in February and same-sex marriages are expected there in October. Northern Ireland has so far announced no plans to follow suit.

As far as England and Wales are concerned, politicians from the main parties have hailed the change in the law. Whether they believe personally that this is the right thing to do or whether it is merely politically expedient is a matter of conjecture. But Prime Minister David Cameron said the move sent a message that people were now equal, whether gay or straight.

In an article for the Pink News website, he wrote, “This weekend is an important moment for our country. It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth.”

Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, the junior party in the coalition government, said Britain will be a different place as a result. Mr Clegg, who is also deputy prime minister, congratulated his party for being part of the reform.

Opposition leader Ed Miliband congratulated gay couples planning to tie the knot. He said, “This is an incredibly happy time for so many gay couples and lesbian couples who will be getting married, but it’s an incredibly proud time for our country as well, recognising equal marriage in law.”

One of the first couples to take advantage of the change in the law got married at Islington Town Hall in London. Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell acted as chief witness at a packed ceremony, as Peter McGraith and David Cabreza got married after 17 years together.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said the Church of England would now drop its opposition to same-sex marriage, as Parliament has spoken.

The BBC social affairs correspondent Reeta Chakrabarti said there will now be two legal definitions of marriage – one recognised by the Church of England and many other religious groups, and the other recognised by the state.

The Bishop of Norwich, the Right Reverend Graham James, confirmed the belief of the Church of England that marriage is between one man and one woman for life. He added, “It’s untidy for the law to have two definitions.”

Under the new law, the Church of England is prohibited from carrying out same-sex ceremonies. But it has urged clergy to support members of the congregation who are in same-sex marriages. It has also ruled that priests themselves must not enter into one. However, some gay vicars have said they are prepared to defy the bishops for the right to marry.

Among them is the Reverend Andrew Cain, who said that while the Church is entering uncharted territory, he would not be frightened out of doing what he believed was right. Rev Cain, who plans to marry his partner in the coming summer, said he intends to do so whether the Church approves or not.

Not all homosexuals are in favour of same-sex marriage. The major religions are also opposed to it, either out of religious belief or out of fear that equality laws will one day force a church, a mosque or a temple to perform a same-sex wedding ceremony.

I find it significant that a BBC survey has found that 20 percent of people in Britain would turn down an invitation to a same-sex wedding. Many are also shocked, but not surprised, at how senior politicians fell all over themselves to curry favour with gays on this issue. But I am almost certain that back in TT, LeRoy Clarke is not doing so.