The NSW cross party working group for marriage equality has welcomed the introduction and successful passage of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill in the British House of Commons last night.

The UK Bill will allow same-sex couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies (where a religious institution has formally consented) in England and Wales.

It will also allow couples who have previously entered into civil partnerships to convert their relationship into a marriage.

The British consulate in Sydney performs the most civil partnerships outside of the UK. Those same-sex couples living in NSW who have had a UK civil partnership will be able to convert their civil partnership to marriage.

“This is fantastic news for hundreds of same-sex couples living in NSW who will soon be formally married.”

“It also means that same-sex couples in NSW (where one party has British Citizenship) will soon be able to get married in Sydney. “

The success of this legislation in the House of Commons sends a positive message to the cross party group for marriage equality in NSW:

“The three major parties in the UK (the Tories, Liberal Democrats and Labour) allowed members a free vote on this and proved that when all sides of politics work together you can achieve meaningful outcomes for same-sex couples”

Trevor Khan, The Nationals
Bruce Notley-Smith, Liberal Party
Cate Faehrmann, NSW Greens
Penny Sharpe, Labor Party
Alex Greenwich, Independent