Same-sex couples have been allowed to marry in England for about eight years. The state church, subordinate to the crown, still does not accept this.
Despite years of debate, same-sex couples in England still won’t be able to marry in a church, according to a report. The BBC reported on Wednesday, citing inside sources, after a meeting of Church of England bishops. They had previously discussed the Church’s position on this for five years.
Several bishops have told the BBC that a church meeting scheduled for next month will not vote on opening up religious marriage to same-sex couples.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in England and Wales since 2013. Four years later, the church began a consultation process. The Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, and some other church officials have spoken publicly in favor of church marriages for same-sex couples.
“Second Class Citizens”
In Scotland, however, church weddings are possible for same-sex couples. In Wales, they can’t get married, but they can get a blessing of sorts. According to the report, similar forms could also be debated in England.
London clergyman Charlie Bell, who would like to marry his church partner, expressed disappointment. “As a same-sex couple you get in trouble and you’re a second-class citizen,” he told the BBC.
(APA/dpa)