Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has approved a gay marriage bill.
The 87-year-old monarch gave her royal stamp of approval to the Same Sex Couples Bill, which legalizes same-sex weddings in England and Wales – a necessary step for a bill to become law.
Culture Minister Maria Miller, whose department was responsible for the bill, said: ”This is a historic moment that will resonate in many people’s lives.
”I am proud that we have made it happen, and I look forward to the first same sex wedding by next summer.”
This comes a day after the bill cleared Parliament and the House of Commons applauded as speaker John Bercow made the announcement.
Gay couples are now able to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies, providing the religious institution consents. The law will also allow couples who have civil partnerships to convert their relationships to marriage.
The British government introduced the bill in January and although Prime Minister David Cameron supported it, it divided his Conservative Party and sparked a number of debates in the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Categories
Queen Elizabeth gives royal approval to gay bill
Queen Elizabeth has given her royal stamp of approval to the Same Sex Couples Bill which legalises same-sex weddings in England and Wales from next summer.