Marriage Act 1949 (Amendment) Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Creates an offence of purporting to solemnise an unregistered marriage under the Marriage Act 1949.
• Applies to anyone who falsely claims to perform a legally valid marriage ceremony when it is not registered.
• Aims to protect the integrity of marriage registration and deter fraudulent misrepresentation.
• Introduced in the Lords and currently at its second reading.
• If enacted, the measure would progress through both Houses and obtain Royal Assent before becoming law.

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading in the Lords. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage, then further readings, and, if approved, proceed to the House of Commons.