Marriage (Authorised Belief Organisations) Bill

Key Points

• Introduces a formal system to authorise belief organisations to solemnise marriages.
• Sets out criteria and processes for obtaining authorisation and ongoing oversight.
• Ensures the ceremonies remain legally valid and that rights are protected under the marriage laws.
• Promotes equality and freedom of belief by expanding recognised options for marriage ceremonies.
• Parliamentary progress: the bill is at the 2nd Reading in the Commons; first Reading was in October 2020; next stages would typically follow committee and further readings.

Progress

The bill is currently at the 2nd Reading in the House of Commons. If it continues, it would proceed to Committee stage, then Report stage, and Third Reading before moving to the House of Lords.