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Pages about: Same sex relationships

Quaker view on same sex marriages - updated January 2012
19 January 2012

Background: Quaker decision on same sex relationships

At their Yearly Meeting in York in 2009, Quakers in Britain sought a change in the law so that same sex marriages can be prepared, celebrated, witnessed, reported to the state, and recognised as legally valid, without further process, in the same way as opposite sex marriages are celebrated in Quaker meetings.  Quakers consider that they should be able to follow the insights of their membership in celebrating life-long committed relationships between a man and a man, or a woman and a woman, in exactly the same way as they

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Equality, Same sex relationships

We are but witnesses: same sex marriages
17 February 2011

These pages relate to marriage equality and the decision of Britain Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends to recognise same sex marriages. The information is taken from the pamphlet which can be downloaded from the link at the foot of this page, or you can follow the "Continue to" links at the foot of each section to read the information online.

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Committed relationships, Same sex relationships

Quakers welcome decision on civil partnerships
14 February 2011

Quakers in Britain welcomed the successful passage of the Equality Bill through the final Commons stage last night. This will mean civil partnerships can be celebrated on some religious premises.

The Bill will provide for an order-making power for registering religious premises for the conduct of civil partnerships in England and Wales. It made clear that nothing in the amendment could compel religious organisations to conduct civil partnerships against their conscience. The government has promised to consult faith groups on how the amendment will work.

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Equality, Same sex relationships

Same-sex marriage advocacy
6 September 2010

Lynne Featherstone, the Minister for Equalities, invited us to a discussion on the next stage on civil partnerships.

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Advocates, Equality, Same sex, Same sex relationships

Quakers welcome Equality Bill
11 May 2010
Quakers in Britain welcome the passing today of the Equality Bill by the House of Lords. Quakers have lobbied in support of Lord Alli’s Amendment to the Bill which will lift the ban on civil partnership ceremonies being held in religious premises in England and Wales.
 
The restrictions on civil partnerships had been introduced by the Civil Partnerships Act 2004. The amendment provided for an order-making power for registering religious premises for the conduct of civil partnerships.
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Equality, Same sex relationships

We are but witnesses - notes and references
11 May 2010

 The title We are but witnesses is taken from the writings of George Fox – see note 8 below. 

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Committed relationships, Same sex relationships

Two chambers, many amendments, another major step towards equality
11 May 2010

Anne van Staveren reports on how Quaker advocacy in favour of recognising same-sex marriages has led to progressive amendments in the House of Lords.

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Equality, Same sex relationships