The UK's Equalities Minister has signalled that civil marriage will be opened up to same sex couples in England and Wales by 2015. Making the announcement at the Liberal Democrats' Autumn Conference, Lynne Featherstone said "I am delighted to confirm that early next year, this government will begin a formal consultation on equal civil marriage for same-sex couples ... This would allow us to make any legislative changes before the end of this parliament".
This was not a completely new policy announcement, as Ms Featherstone had already disclosed in February the government's intention to consult marriage law reform in England and Wales. The ban on civil partnerships being held in religious buildings was also lifted in February 2011.
Stonewall, the UK LGBT charity, welcomed the announcement but noted that the government appeared to have delayed the timetable for consultation.
As any changes would only affect England and Wales, it is a matter for the devolved governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland to decide whether their administrations would match the changes. Earlier this month, the Scottish administration began gathering views as part of a 14-week consultation on whether same sex marriage should be made legal. At the time of publication, the Northern Ireland administration had not made a statement on this issue.
Many jurisdictions around the world are continuing to equalise their marriage laws to allow same-sex couples to marry. This month, a bill that would legalize gay marriage in Uruguay was formally introduced into that country's House of Representatives.