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Call for change in marriage law

(89 Posts)
Bags Sat 06-Apr-13 10:18:41

I like this suggestion that civil and religious marriage law be made separate.

MiceElf Sat 06-Apr-13 15:35:35

Soop, I found that comment offensive too. Surely whatever our beliefs are we should be able to respect the integrity of those who differ.

soop Sat 06-Apr-13 15:32:56

jings I'm an atheist. I most certainly do not worship a false god. I also consider myself to be as worthy as those that worship your god. smile

MiceElf Sat 06-Apr-13 15:30:17

Of course it doesn't. If you get married in any church or or other place of worship apart from the C of E you have to pay either for the registrar to come to the ceremony or have a registry office wedding anyway.

This proposal would simply iron out that anomaly.

Galen Sat 06-Apr-13 15:28:37

They would as they do now because c of e clergy are also registrars as are the registrars in registry offices.

j08 Sat 06-Apr-13 15:23:11

But they wouldn't be able to just get married in church as is the case now. They would have to have another ceremony at the registry office. And that would, on the surface, undermine the church ceremony.

It's ridiculous.

Galen Sat 06-Apr-13 15:18:55

jingleplease don't.

MiceElf Sat 06-Apr-13 15:18:09

Hmmm. Two ceremonies. In my view an excellent idea. Those who wish to make their marriage commitment in a church or Gurudwara or synagogue or other place can have their wedding uncluttered by the signing of a register and the official from the town hall having intruded on a little bit of the occasion for form filling.

And those who are happy with a civil proceding can go ahead with it. It works, as others have said, in France and elsewhere.

And that would avoid all that discord about marriages that the present muddle has given rise to.

Eloethan Sat 06-Apr-13 14:59:21

Crikey!!

Greatnan Sat 06-Apr-13 14:57:13

Oh, dear, jingle, please stop these insults before you breach forum etiquette. If you have not already. You will be giving Christians a bad name.

j08 Sat 06-Apr-13 14:55:14

Marriage is marriage. Created firstly for the procreation of children.

Leave it alone. Done properly it's excellent for the children involved.

j08 Sat 06-Apr-13 14:52:47

'false Gods' would probably mean yourselves. For some people on this forum.

Bags Sat 06-Apr-13 14:51:19

Nothing bogoted about treating everyone the same in law. Quite the reverse.

j08 Sat 06-Apr-13 14:51:01

And I don't think for one moment it will happen.

So go back as and worship your false Gods in peace.

Bags Sat 06-Apr-13 14:50:48

Maybe the church needs undermining. Why should it have any say in legality?

Bags Sat 06-Apr-13 14:50:06

So what's your problem, jings? If people who want a church wedding can still have one, surely you've nothing to complain about? There is a need for a change in the law for some civil partnerships. It's about time that was addressed. It's not going to cause any trouble for anyone so why moan about it.

j08 Sat 06-Apr-13 14:49:10

What is the point in taking the 'civil' legality out of church weddings. It's just another way to undermine the church on the part of some narrow minded, self serving (votes) bigots.

j08 Sat 06-Apr-13 14:46:27

Greatnan have you read my post?! That's what I said. hmm

And yes, I have read the link. #stupidquestion

Eloethan Sat 06-Apr-13 14:41:12

Seems OK to me.

Bags Sat 06-Apr-13 14:30:38

Yes, all they're saying is that there's one marriage ceremony for everyone (including, I presume, same sex couples) and then anyone who feels the need for a religious ceremony, of the religion of their choice, can go ahead and do that as well. So anyone who values a church wedding can have a church wedding. Where's the problem?

Greatnan Sat 06-Apr-13 14:26:47

Jingle - have you read the link? They are not suggesting that people do not have a religious ceremony, only that they first have a short civil marriage. It works in many European countries. I still see huge, costly marriages taking place at churches in France.

Bags Sat 06-Apr-13 14:26:11

That should be (civil and religious)

Bags Sat 06-Apr-13 14:25:43

I don't know how long religious church weddings have been a valued institution in this country, but who cares? Society's needs are changing so it makes sense for the rules to change too.

I think the two (civil) and religious are separate in France as well as Switzerland. Possibly in other European countries too.

absent Sat 06-Apr-13 14:20:25

Not only is there no mention of any religion in a register office wedding, but it is expressly forbidden. That includes hymns and any religious music.

Greatnan Sat 06-Apr-13 14:18:35

Actually, jingle, marriage for the masses is comparatively recent. People used to live 'over the brush' as they could not afford to get married.
Most marriages were business arrangements and the bride, in particular, would have little choice. It doesn't do to get too starry-eyed about marriage!

j08 Sat 06-Apr-13 14:13:51

I think it means religious couples would have to get married twice. Once in the church and once in the registry office. Thy would take the 'civil' out of the church ceremony.

How long has marriage in church been a valued institution in this country? hmm

Idiots! They want to do away with everything that is good.