Humanist Marriage

Debate between Baroness Meacher and Lord Ashton of Hyde

Monday 1st December 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

I can tell my noble friend that in Scotland there were 3,052 humanist marriages in 2012. There are estimated to be 600 to 800 humanist marriages which are not legally valid at the moment, although 80% have civil marriages as well.

[Baroness Meacher (CB)]

My Lords, when all that the proposal seeks to do is extend the current practice for Jewish and Quaker marriages to humanists, does the Minister accept that this is not a major change in the law? In view of the overwhelming support in the consultation for this change, would the Minister agree that there is no reason not to go ahead before the election?

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

I do not know that there was overwhelming support. The responses are being evaluated at the moment, and there will be an announcement by the end of the year.