Marriage equality in the UK ‘within weeks’

Marriage equality may be a reality in the UK within weeks, with reports that the government has pushed forward its plans to legalise same-sex marriage.

The Guardian reports that a government go-ahead for gay marriage is likely before Christmas, but that Downing Street was reluctant to confirm reports that the vote in the House of Commons would be fast tracked and pushed through within a month.

The legislation is to be put to a conscience vote, and is expected to pass comfortably.

Churches have stepped up their campaign against gay marriage in the UK in recent months, but are believed to be on the back foot in terms of public opinion.

The Guardian reports that ministers are also eager to have the issue resolved so it does not give Christian evangelicals time to build momentum against the plans.

The British government committed to introducing marriage equality legislation in September, 2011, promising it would be enacted before the next general election in 2015.

A public consultation took place earlier this year on how to make civil marriages available to same-sex couples.

The government commitment on the issue came after what was reported as being a personal intervention from Prime Minister David Cameron.

Cameron declared his support for marriage equality while speaking at the Tory Party Conference in Manchester last year, urging his party and its supporters to do the same.

“To anyone who has reservations, I say this: Yes, it’s about equality, but it’s also about something else: commitment,” he said.

“Conservatives believe in the ties that bind us; that society is stronger when we make vows to each other and support each other.

“So I don’t support gay marriage in spite of being a Conservative, I support gay marriage because I am a Conservative.”

Gay marriage is effectively legal in the UK under the label of ‘civil partnership’ and not ‘marriage’.

The new legislation proposed would secure marriage equality for all couples.

Religious institutions would not be required to conduct same-sex marriages under the laws.