Same-sex marriages become legal on the Isle of Man
Same-sex marriages will come into force from today (July 22) on the Isle of Man.
The Marriage and Civil Partnership Act 2016, which enables same-sex marriages to take place, also allows heterosexual couples to have civil partnerships, making the island the first place in the British Isles to do so.
As is the case in England, Scotland, Wales and Norther Ireland, Church of England buildings and other religious institutions will not be forced to cater to same-sex weddings if they do not wish to.
Speaking about the new law to The Guardian, the island’s chief minister Allan Bell – who is gay – said, “this has been a long, long journey”.
“This bill gives equal validity to relationships between same-sex couples as heterosexual ones and proves that the love of two people will overcome everything.”
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