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Same Sex Marriage (Referendum) Bill

A Bill to make provision for a referendum on whether same sex marriage should be allowed.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

15 May 2014

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Same Sex Marriage (Referendum) Bill would set up a public referendum to decide whether same-sex marriage should be legalised in the country. It would establish how the referendum would be run and what would count as the result, shifting the final decision from Parliament to voters. The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons, having had its first reading in 2013.

Key Points

  • Proposes a nationwide referendum on the legality of same-sex marriage.
  • Establishes the basic framework for organising and conducting the referendum.
  • Originated in the House of Commons and is currently at the 2nd reading stage.
  • If enacted, the referendum result would determine policy on same-sex marriage rather than Parliament alone.

Progress

The bill is at the 2nd reading stage in the Commons; the first reading occurred on 24 June 2013. It has not yet progressed to subsequent stages.

Who is affected?

Same-sex couples and their familiesPeople who would vote in the referendumLGBTQ+ and civil rights organisationsReligious organisations potentially affected by the outcomeThe general public / voters

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

24 Jun 2013

2nd readingCommons
Committee stageCommons
Report stageCommons
3rd readingCommons
1st readingLords
2nd readingLords
Committee stageLords
Report stageLords
3rd readingLords
Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Same Sex Marriage (Referendum)

1 Jan 1970

This Bill was withdrawn and will not progress any further.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.