Further to my previous blog about the Coalition For EQUAL Marriage, http://www.coolmanchester.com/index.php/CM/manchester-pride/coalition-for-equal-marriage-don

the government are carrying out an equal civil marriage consultation.

As quoted on the website, The key proposals of the consultation are:

to enable same-sex couples to have a civil marriage i.e. only civil ceremonies in a register office or approved premises (like a hotel)

to make no changes to religious marriages. This will continue to only be legally possible between a man and a woman

to retain civil partnerships for same-sex couples and allow couples already in a civil partnership to convert this into a marriage

civil partnership registrations on religious premises will continue as is currently possible i.e. on a voluntary basis for faith groups and with no religious content

individuals will, for the first time, be able legally to change their gender without having to end their marriage

Current legislation allows same-sex couples to enter into a civil partnership, but not civil marriage.

If you would like to participate in this consultation, the form can be found here:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/equal-civil-marriage/

I have completed the form and it only takes a few minutes, I would strongly recommend that all same sex couples do the same thing and share this document everywhere, it's a very good way to show the current government how we feel.