Labour Humanists strongly supports equal marriage for same-sex couples. We also support equal marriage for humanists. That is why we are urging Labour MPs to vote in favour of an amendment to the Marriage Bill which would legalise marriage for humanist couples in England and in Wales, when the Bill reaches its Report stage on 20/21 May.
The amendment has been spearheaded by Labour frontbenchers, and has cross Party support.
Unfortunately the Government has stated that it will oppose moves to legalise humanist marriage, which is why it is even more important for Labour MPs to attend the debate and vote in favour of it to try to ensure that it passes.
To make absolutely clear – the amendment only applies to humanist marriage. It would not make the law any wider to accommodate any other belief system.
In Scotland humanist marriages have had legal status since 2005 and are now more popular than Roman Catholic marriages. The legal recognition of humanist marriage achieved through the amendment would be a progressive change in line with Labour values of equal treatment and non-discrimination. It would also be popular and remove unreasonable disparities between different parts of the United Kingdom.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) has set up a facility to help you to email your MP about this important matter. Please do so today.
Thank you for your support.