The case for the regal recognition of marriages performed by Humanists UK is overwhelming, not least from a human rights perspective.
This is the key argument of the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group on their inquiry into the legal recognition of humanist marriage, published in May 2018.
In England and Wales humanist marriages are not legally recognised. Couples wishing to have a humanist ceremony must also have a separate civil ceremony. This is costly and an administrative burden, and also means that what couples consider their ‘real’ wedding is not so in the eyes of the law.
Humanists UK call for the legal recognition of humanist marriages because:
- It would be overwhelmingly popular; around 95% of respondents to the 2014 Government consultation supported it
- It would be good for the economy; the marriage economy (worth £10 billion) will continue to grow
- England and Wales would catch up with the rest of the UK and crown dependencies, where humanist marriages are legal
The APPG urges the Government to lay an Order for humanist marriages under section 14 of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013.
