The new coalition government has confirmed that consultations will take place on how religious organisations can allow same-sex couples the ‘opportunity to register their relationship’.

The consultations were announced by the prime minister in a new programme of work called Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality, which includes a wide range of commitments on schools, workplaces, family life, sport, public services, civil society, crime, justice and promoting rights internationally. The programme intends to ‘ensure equal chances for everyone, whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity’.

An action plan with detailed plans for delivery will be launched later this year.

This week a written answer by Lynne Featherstone, parliamentary under secretary of state (equalities), to a question from Chris Bryant MP about whether proposals for ‘to allow civil weddings and partnership ceremonies to include religious readings, music and symbols’ might be brought forward reiterated the announcement concerning the civil partnership consultation.

Useful links
http://www.equalities.gov.uk/what_we_do/sexual_orientation.aspx
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2010-06-23a.2119.h&s=speaker%3A11641#g2119.r0