Overview

This bill amends the Marriage Act 1949 to allow the Registrar General to approve certain charitable organisations to conduct marriages. These organisations must be registered charities promoting a religion or belief (including non-religious beliefs), not own a registered place of worship, and be deemed reputable.

Description

The bill inserts a new section (47A) into the Marriage Act 1949. This section empowers the Registrar General to approve organisations to conduct marriages according to their own customs, subject to specific conditions. Approved organisations must be registered charities promoting a religion or belief (including non-religious beliefs) and not possess a registered place of worship. The Registrar General will designate a principal officer within the organisation responsible for appointing registering officers. Marriages conducted under this section must occur with open doors, in the presence of a registrar or an appointed registering officer and two witnesses, and both parties must be members of the approved organisation. The bill also includes consequential amendments to various sections of the 1949 Act to ensure consistency and clarify the legal framework for marriages conducted by approved organisations. These amendments affect sections related to marriage registration, record-keeping, and offences related to the solemnisation of marriage.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on UK government spending. The costs associated with the Registrar General's administration of the new process are likely to be minimal. No specific figures were provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Registered Charities: Registered charities meeting the specified criteria (promoting a religion or belief, not owning a place of worship, and being of good repute) will be able to apply for approval to conduct marriages.
• Couples: Couples who are members of approved organisations will have the option of marrying according to their organisation’s customs.
• Registrar General and Staff: The Registrar General's office will have increased administrative responsibilities in approving organisations and overseeing the process.
• Superintendents Registrars: Superintendents registrars will have additional responsibilities related to the registration of marriages conducted by approved organizations.

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