There had been fears by some that the British House of Lords might at least temporarily derail the marriage equality bill passed last month by the House of Commons. Such fears turned out to be unfounded. The often conservative peers of the realm voted two to one to approve gay marriage legislation. Needless to say the religious extremists are blowing a gasket and spewing gallons of spittle. One can only wonder if the U.S. Supreme Court justices are paying any attention. Here are highlights from BBC News:
The House of Lords spent two days debating the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, with many members voicing their concerns. But it rejected an amendment aimed at wrecking the bill by 242 votes, moving it a step closer to becoming law.
The BBC's Norman Smith said plans were on course for the first same-sex weddings to take place next summer. The bill would allow couples, who can currently form civil partnerships, to marry.
If it passes into law, religious organisations would have to "opt in" if they wished to offer gay weddings, except the Church of England and Church in Wales, which would be banned in law from doing so.
Peers were allowed a free vote on the amendment, tabled by crossbench peer Lord Dear, which would effectively have wrecked the government's plans. It was defeated by 390 votes to 148.
The plans, which the government wants to come into force in July next year, passed through the Commons last month with a 205 majority.
But religious bodies, including the Church of England, and many Conservative activists have raised concerns. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was among those who spoke against the proposal in the Lords.
France recently held its first same-sex marriage while the Scottish government has confirmed it will introduce its own bill shortly.
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