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News & politics

Same sex marriages now legal

(184 Posts)
whenim64 Sat 29-Mar-14 10:22:51

It was good to see the happy couples getting married around the country today, and interesting to see that the ones on the news have been together for a long time. One couple I saw being interviewed yesterday said they had wanted a simple, quiet wedding but by booking it at a minute past midnight they had brought on themselves a mad dash from the media to talk about their view of the change in the law. Still, great to see progress smile

Atqui Mon 31-Mar-14 20:24:11

As someone said earlier ( can't find it now) , there is still inequality in this area of the law; heterosexual couples who would like a civil partnership are not allowed one. Now that gay couples can have a marriage, does this mean the civil partnership will no longer exist or will gay couples be able to chose?

Atqui Mon 31-Mar-14 20:24:34

Choose even

Ana Mon 31-Mar-14 20:44:05

Good point, Atqui!

absent Mon 31-Mar-14 20:57:01

What is the difference between a register office wedding and a civil partnership? I would guess it's pretty minuscule and heterosexuals are not really missing out.

When will the press stop talking about same sex or gay marriage and just say marriage – five years, ten years…?

Atqui Mon 31-Mar-14 21:04:45

The difference is in the word Marriage. Many couples do not agree with the institution of marriage, but would like to put their relationship on a legal footing

Penstemmon Mon 31-Mar-14 22:00:04

I naively thought civil partnership was invented as a compromise to try to please both the anti-gay marriage brigade and the gay community.
A sort of 'not marriage but nearly' to protect the financial and legal interests of individuals in long term relationships. Hetero couples could always do that quietly and without fuss in 15 minutes at a registrary office marriage and tell no-one!
I am not sure what advantage there is to a hetero couple (unless they are family members or platonic friends) in a civil partnership vs civil marriage ceremony.

Atqui Mon 31-Mar-14 22:05:10

As I said, some couples do not like the idea of marriage as such... a patriarchal institution historically, but would like the legal security of a civil partnership.

Atqui Mon 31-Mar-14 22:06:20

If there was no difference why would gay people still be fighting for Marriage?

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 31-Mar-14 22:10:10

Civil partnerships were brought in long before anyone thought they would actually go the extra mile and bring in marriage for gay couples. Civil partnerships were perfectly fit for purpose from a protective legal point of view. But then the "love" aspect had to be satisfied. And they did the previously unthinkable. Called it marriage.

The present situation needs to be dealt with quickly. A bit of joined up thinking would have been good from the start. Or just thinking really.

Ana Mon 31-Mar-14 22:12:41

Yes, I agree. It's all been a bit of a mish-mash.

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 31-Mar-14 22:17:31

It's a similar situation to what they did with the Child Trust Funds. They brought that in and now, the kids that were eligible for that can't have a junior isa.

So now they've got that to sort that out as well. Complete lack of thinking. Just making it up as they go along.

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 31-Mar-14 22:18:56

Politicians seem to be complete airheads these days.

Atqui Mon 31-Mar-14 22:22:45

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11625835
Interesting article

Atqui Mon 31-Mar-14 22:23:41

[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11625835]

Atqui Mon 31-Mar-14 22:24:07

Oh no I'm no good at this tech stuff!

whenim64 Mon 31-Mar-14 22:28:50

This Gay Marriage Musical is very entertaining smile

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 31-Mar-14 22:31:30

Atqui' s link

Nonu Mon 31-Mar-14 22:42:06

Is there any chance that someone could Blue our gay marriage,?? the musical ?
it might be interesting to see !

whenim64 Mon 31-Mar-14 22:47:02

Put your telly on, Nonu. It's on Channel 4 now. Fantastic!

Oldgreymare Mon 31-Mar-14 23:11:49

Just watched 'Our Gay Wedding the Musical' ... what a joyous occasion.
Mcem hope your daughters' day is just as lovely (apostrophe correctly placed given your earlier comments).

Nonu Mon 31-Mar-14 23:12:32

Damn , missed it, just gone to, Googlebox !

Ce la Vie !!

Gally Mon 31-Mar-14 23:12:49

It's amazing. I watched the end and now I'm watching the beginning on +1.

mcem Tue 01-Apr-14 08:13:16

Given my earlier reservations about the possible 'flamboyance' factor I admit I was pleasantly surprised. DD did text mid-programme -very emotional and saying that's what she wants too! She's very musical and an excellent singer so music (and karaoke aaaaaaargh) do feature large in her party planning! The show was very impressive with all those professional musicians and the Alexandra Palace venue was tasteful and appropriate. I pointed out that we can't compete with that and, unlike the grooms' mums I will not sing! However the happiness factor will be there I'm sure.
Btw OGM thank you for that strategically placed apostrophe - far more meaningful than usual!
Off to the florist this morning to finalise details including 2 bouquets!

Atqui Tue 01-Apr-14 09:20:47

Thanks Jings

whenim64 Tue 01-Apr-14 11:17:46

I've just watched Sandi Toksvig on This Morning, saying that she renewed her vows at weekend, in celebration of the change in the law. I really like her - she's a kind, funny family woman who does no-one any harm. So I was horrified and upset to hear her mention that she has received so much support over the years, since coming out as a gay woman, especially from the Police Hate Crime Squad - her life has been threatened, simply for being openly gay. As Sandi says 'it's only about people loving each other.' sad