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Britain's new gay marriage law threatens traditional weddings

Sikhs ban civil ceremonies, other faiths may follow
Britain's new gay marriage law threatens traditional weddings

Picture: Telegraph

Published: July 22, 2013 05:49 AM GMT
Updated: July 21, 2013 07:08 PM GMT

Sikh temples have been advised to halt all civil marriage ceremonies on their premises to protect them from possible legal challenges for refusing to conduct same-sex weddings.

It is the first example of a religious group altering its marriage practices to avoid potential litigation based on equalities or human rights law.

Other groups, including the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the orthodox Jewish organisation United Synagogue, also resisted the legislation, but they have not indicated that they will go as far as to surrender their marriage licences.

The Government has given repeated assurances that legal ­provisions should prevent anyone being forced to act against their religious teachings.

The warning comes in a letter to Sikh places of worship, known as gurdwaras, from Sikhs In England, a specialist advisory body.

Full Story:Religion told to halt weddings over gay rights 

Source:Telegraph

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