Same-sex marriage could be available in Guernsey as early as this summer it has been announced.
The legislation to allow same-sex marriage in Guernsey was recently approved by the Privy Council. The next step is for it to be registered in the Royal Court, which could happen at the next court sitting on 16th January.
A commencement and implementation ordinance will then have to be finalised and approved by the Committee for Employment and Social Security. It will also need to be approved by the legislation review panel. After that it can be submitted to the States for final approval. It is expected that all of this can be achieved by this summer.
Ellie Jones from Liberate said “Fingers crossed there shouldn’t be anything that can delay things now, but we have always said that the job isn’t done until the first marriage takes place”.
Deputy Shane Langlois from Employment and Social Security said that the intention was that same-sex marriages should take effect in the summer of 2017. But he advised against couples making any firm arrangements until the date that the legislation comes into effect has been announced.
Ellie Jones said “That will be a proud day for everyone at Liberate and for the LGBTQ community of Guernsey”.
When the legislation takes effect, same-sex couples will be able to marry in a civil ceremony at the Royal Court, St James or (in special circumstances) in a private home. The Zen Buddhist Group has also confirmed that it could hold ceremonies for same-sex couples.
