Bishop Backs Gay Marriage

Right Rev. Nick Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury has offered his support to gay marriage and gay couples, saying that gay marriage, "embodies a commitment to be faithful, loving, and lifelong. These are virtues which the Church of England wants to see maximised in society."

On Saturday, same-sex marriage became legal in Great Britain. Gay and lesbian couples across England and Wales were wed, to joyful acclaim from family, friends and the general public.

Although the Bishop was forthright in his comments, the Church of England is divided by the question of marriage equality. The Church's formal line is that Anglican clergy are not to marry partners of the same sex, despite heterosexual clergy being allowed to marry.

Bishop of Salisbury, Nick Holtam - Photograph: London News Pictures/Rex

Marriage Equality on the Agenda Again?

The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Sydney by ACON Online

Tanya Plibersek, Deputy Opposition Leader, is set to introduce a new Marriage Equality Bill to Parliament.

Based closely on the Bill that was voted down in 2012, Plibersek has the support of Labor's caucus to introduce the private members bill.

Plibersek has indicated she will only introduce the bill if Prime Minister Tony Abbott allows all Liberal MPs a free, conscience vote as opposed to a Party bloc vote.

Without such a commitment, a new bill seems unlikely to pass.

The 2012 Bill was soundly defeated 48 votes to 92.

Marriage Equality for Scotland

UK Dept for Culture, Media and Sport

Scotland has become the 17th country to legalize same-sex marriage. With a vote of 105 to 18, Parliament was overwhelmingly in favour of the change.

The new law should come in to effect later this year. Religious organisations which opposed the move to marriage equality will not be made to celebrate same-sex weddings on their premises.

A government consultation prior to the passing of the new bill resulted in over 77,000 responses - a record number of responses that indicates the huge level of public interest in this issue.

Read more about Scotland's historic decision here.

Coming Out for Marriage

It takes courage to come out and stand up for difference. It takes particular courage for people of faith to come out against the tenets of their faith. And so, it is gratifying to discover people of courage willing to come out in favour of Marriage Equality.

Rev. Andrew Clive Millard is such a man of courage. He's a Virginia clergyman who will be standing up for Marriage Equality on February 14, St. Valentine's Day, the day that traditionally celebrates Love & Lovers. Rev. Andrew will join other people of faith as a Witness for LOVE, standing up for Marriage Equality in the US state of Virginia.

Read Rev. Andrew's thoughts about Marriage here.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula minister, Rev. Andrew Clive Millard

Marriage equality videos

Came across this blog post a few days back, 'The ten best marriage equality videos from around the world'.

Videos from Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the US speak eloquently about love, commitment, relationship, and family. Whether you have an opinion on this topic or not, why not take a few minutes to view one or two (or all!) of the videos. It surely can't hurt.

Source - ABC News website