LONDON (AP) — The British government has introduced a bill legalizing samesex marriage, and says lawmakers will get their first vote on it in Parliament next month.
The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, published today, extends marriage to gay couples but excludes clergy in the Church of England — the country’s official faith — from having to carry out the ceremonies.
That is intended to placate religious opponents of samesex unions — though it has not stopped criticism of the bill from religious leaders.
The bill is likely to become law because it is supported by Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, many of his Cabinet and most Liberal Democrat and Labour lawmakers.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
