British Government to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

The British government announced Tuesday that it will introduce a bill next year legalizing gay marriage - but banning the Church of England from conducting same-sex ceremonies.

Equalities minister Maria Miller said the legislation would authorize same-sex civil marriages, as well as religious ceremonies if religions decide to "opt in."

"I feel strongly that, if a couple wish to show their love and commitment to each other, the state should not stand in their way," Miller said.

"For me, extending marriage to same-sex couples will strengthen, not weaken, this vital institution."

Some religious groups, such as Quakers and liberal Jews, say they want to conduct same-sex ceremonies.

But others, including the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, oppose gay marriage, and the government is seeking to reassure them that they will not be forced to take part.

Miller said the legislation would make it unlawful for the Church of England - the country's official church, symbolically headed by Queen Elizabeth II - and the Anglican Church in Wales to conduct gay weddings.

It also will ensure that religious organizations or ministers who refuse to marry a same-sex couple can't be sued for discrimination.

"No religious organization will ever be forced to conduct marriages for same-sex couples," Miller told lawmakers.

Since 2005, gay couples in Britain have been able to form civil partnerships, which give them the same legal protection, adoption and inheritance rights as heterosexual married partners - but not the label of marriage.

The government's announcement was welcomed by gay rights campaigners, but condemned by some religious leaders.

The bill is likely to have enough support in Parliament to become law. Gay marriage is backed by Britain's Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron and many of his Cabinet, as well as by most lawmakers from the Liberal Democrat and Labour parties.

But some traditionalist members of Cameron's Conservative Party remain strongly opposed.

"I would like to ask the Secretary of State and the government what right have they got, other than arrogance and intolerance, to stamp their legislative boot on religious faith?" said lawmaker Richard Drax.