Religious settings for Civil Partnerships

Places of worship in England and Wales will be able to host same-sex civil partnerships by 2012.

The government's Equalities Minister, Lynne Featherstone, has said that no religious group would be forced to host them, but those who wished to could apply by the end of the year.

The announcement was made in a written response to a consultation, the BBC report.

Featherstone said: "The government is advancing equality for LGBT people and ensuring freedom of religion for people of all faiths.

These new proposals will cover religious premises of all beliefs, including mosques and synagogues.

The Church of England has said, it had no intention of allowing civil partnerships to be registered in its churches.

"No religious group will be forced to host a civil partnership registration, but for those who wish to do so this is an important step forward."
The move was promised by Prime Minister David Cameron at a lesbian and gay reception in 10 Downing Street, two years ago.

Published: 3-Nov-2011: (879)