Equal marriage supporters at a Stonewall rally outside the House of Lords. (Photo credit: SIMON CALLAGHAN) England and Wales are on the verge of marriage equality, with the House of Lords giving its seal of approval to the legislation. It’s passed the third reading, and now after some minor technicalities are sorted out in the House of Commons, the Bill will go to the Queen to be signed into law. A celebration was held outside the House of Lords. Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill says it’s impossible to express how much joy this historic step will bring to tens of thousands of gay people and their families and friends. “The Bill’s progress through Parliament shows that, at last, the majority of politicians in both Houses understand the public’s support for equality – though it’s also reminded us that gay people still have powerful opponents. “Stonewall’s volunteers, supporters and staff have worked flat-out for equal marriage in England and Wales, and Stonewall Scotland’s campaign continues north of the Border. We’ll redouble our efforts in Scotland so that every single gay person in Britain will soon enjoy full equality.” It could take up to a year for gay marriage to be implemented in England and Wales.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 16th July 2013 - 9:02am