States to debate 'gay marriages'

Civil partnerships have been legal in the UK for a few years

A decision by the States of Jersey to debate the issue of civil partnerships has been welcomed by campaigners for equal rights for same-sex couples.

The Council of Ministers has agreed to take the matter to the House later this year, after three years of campaigning by the group Progress Jersey.

If approved, it would give gay couples in Jersey the same rights as conventional married couples.

The Civil Partnerships Act was passed in England and Wales four years ago.

Darren O'Toole, Chairman of Progress Jersey, said: "The hardest thing is to get it in front of the States and get them to debate about it.

Human rights

"It's small steps, and the Council of Ministers making this decision was a huge step forward."

Mr O'Toole also said he knew of couples who had lost their legal rights and, as a result, the States could face a legal challenge.

"It is a contravention of Human Rights law, which says two persons have the rights to marry and form a family.

"The important words here are person, rather than man and woman," he said.

No date has been given for the debate.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version