The date on which the first same-sex weddings can take place in England has been announced as March 29 2014 by Equities Minister Maria Miller, earlier than many had expected.
When the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act was passed in July, many thought that gay partners would have to wait until next summer to be legally wed but now they can be married before Easter.
The somewhat controversial legislation received the backing of MPs from all parties, although many Conservatives opposed the move, and the Church of England, the Church in Wales and other faith groups also stated their opposition.
However, Ms Miller said in her statement that marriage, which is one of the country’s most important institutions, will be open to everyone from March 29, irrespective of whether they fall in love with someone of the same or opposite sex.
She added that the legislation is “just another step in the evolution of marriage” and that she was working hard to ensure that couples who wanted to convert civil partnerships into marriages, as well as married people wanting to change their legal gender while remaining married, would be able to do so before the end of next year.
In addition, from June next year, people will also be able to take part in same-sex weddings in some British consulates and armed forces bases overseas or in military chapels.
Gay rights campaigners have greeted the news with delight but some faith groups are still in opposition, while others are split. For example, among Jews, the Liberal and Reform synagogues support it, while the United Synagogue opposes it.
Meanwhile, under the terms of the bill, all religious organisations will have to “opt in” to offering weddings, with the Church of England and Church in Wales being prevented in law from doing so.