Humanist Marriage

Debate between Lord Ashton of Hyde and Baroness Barker

Monday 1st December 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

No, I cannot confirm that. We are evaluating the responses and an official answer will be given by the end of the year.

[Baroness Barker (LD)]

Have the Government analysed the rate of humanist marriage in Scotland and in European countries? Have they formed an estimate of how many people in England would be likely to wish to avail themselves of the facility of humanist marriage?

[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.