Marriage Equality Update

The British government has just published their bill for full equality, exempting the established Church of England from being required to conduct the ceremonies. Other faith traditions can do as they wish – from a full embrace (the Quakers) to the coldest of shoulders (the Catholic hierarchy). Parliament could vote as early as February 5. Even though the Tory right may not vote with their prime minister, support is so solid among Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs as well as many Tories that passage is looking likely. I think America’s closest Anglophone ally permitting marriage for all – led by a Conservative prime minister – will have an impact here.