A draft law on civil partnerships for gay people in Jersey is under fire because it currently does not allow for ceremonies to occur in places of worship.
Deputy Montford Tadier wants the legislation changed so that it would allow same sex couples to get married in a church, synagogue or mosque if that establishment is happy to carry out the service.
The St Brelade No 2 Deputy says it is not for politicians to decide what can, or what can not, go on inside places of worship. In a letter to the Chief Minister, who has lodged the draft law, Deputy Tadier says: "Can you tell me what the problem is with having a civil partnership ceremony taking place in a church, synagogue or mosque, if the minister, or leader of that place, is quite happy for the ceremony to take place there? Should the discretion not be with that religious leader rather than with Government?
"Or, to put it another way, what right do 53 States Members have (members who might be gone in a year's time) to prevent a willing vicar from marrying two members of his congregation, two people who love each other enough to commit to spending the rest of their lives together (who happen to be of the same sex)?"
Moves are already afoot in the UK to allow same sex couples to have civil ceremonies in places of worship where that establishment is happy to conduct such a service.
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