As from 24th July 2011, same-sex marriages are now legal in New
York due to the passing of the "Marriage Equality Act (11)" by
Governor Andrew Cuomo.
This historic change in law triggered both debate and
celebration across the world. There were numerous street parties in
New York and support from celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Pink
who tweeted their congratulations….even the Empire State building
glowed in a rainbow flag as a symbol of the momentous occasion.
Unlike our current "Civil Partnership Act (04)", New York's new
law means that same-sex couples can marry and have the same rights
and obligations as a heterosexual married couple.
Although our current law conveys similar rights to Civil
Partners (such as property rights), there are some differences. For
example, there is no option for a religious civil ceremony under
the English legal system whereas same-sex couple's in New York now
have this option (subject to
religious exceptions).
Furthermore, gay couples who marry in New York are now granted
the legal status of "married" as opposed to "civil partners" as
under English law.
In these modern and diverse times is it now appropriate for
English law to reflect full marriage equality for same-sex
couples?
We would love to hear your thoughts on the
matter.