Same-sex marriage finally legalized on island of Jersey
Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands that lie between the UK and France
Jersey today passed a law recognizing both same-sex and humanist marriages. Politicians voted 43–1 to legalize these unions.
Located near the coast of Normandy, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands between England and France. It is a Crown dependency and self-governing parliamentary democracy. While not part of the United Kingdom, the UK is responsible for both Jersey’s external relations (like with the EU) and defense.
The island has a population of 100,000.
States Assembly members also rejected an amendment giving religious business owners the right to refuse same-sex couples.
What is a humanist marriage?
Humanism is a philosophical practice that places the importance and agency of humans above that of the divine.
Humanist weddings are non-religious, deeply personal and specifically tailored to those getting married. They are different from civil unions, in that they reflect humanist values. Many humanist celebrants also officiate same-sex marriages.
The organization Humanists UK led the campaign to include humanist wedings with same-sex marriage, which many see as a victory.
‘The changes that allow same-sex marriage have always been the most significant aspect of this legislation,’ acknowledged Louise Doublet, Deputy of St Saviour No 2. ‘But as a bonus, Jersey is also now ahead of England in offering marriage equality to those with non-religious beliefs such as humanism.
‘I am expecting to see a surge in numbers of humanist weddings on the island, and am hopeful that local businesses will benefit as couples will be keen to travel from England and elsewhere to have a legally-recognised wedding performed by a Humanist UK celebrant. I cannot think of a better setting than our beautiful island.’
Scotland recognized humanist weddings in 2005. The Republic of Ireland followed suit in 2012.
In 2016, Scotland held 4,900 humanist weddings — up from 85 the first year.
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson added: ‘We look forward to marrying many happy couples in the months and years to come.’
Words by Anya Crittenton
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Originally published at www.gaystarnews.com on February 1, 2018.
