Overview

This bill legalizes same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland, bringing it in line with the rest of the UK. It also addresses related issues such as the conversion of civil partnerships to marriages, pensions and social security entitlements for same-sex couples, and legal recognition of same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.

Description

The bill's key aspects include:

• Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage: Makes same-sex marriage legal in Northern Ireland. Clergy are not compelled to conduct same-sex marriages.
• Religious Protection: Religious celebrants cannot be forced to participate in same-sex marriages.
• Marriage Objection Process: Clarifies and updates the process for objecting to marriages, including provisions for addressing inaccuracies in marriage notices and legal impediments.
• Extra-Territorial Recognition: Ensures the recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other parts of the UK (England, Wales, Scotland) and the Republic of Ireland, and those performed under UK consular or armed forces laws.
• Civil Partnership Conversion: Allows same-sex couples in civil partnerships to convert them to marriages through a defined process.
• Civil Partnership Review: Mandates a review of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 in Northern Ireland.
• Pension and Social Security Entitlements: Extends spousal rights and entitlements to same-sex married couples.
• Gender Change Provisions: Amends the Gender Recognition Act 2004 to accommodate gender changes by married persons and civil partners. This includes providing ways for marriages to continue after a gender recognition certificate is issued, as well as outlining further details on the process.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, there will likely be costs associated with implementing the new legislation, including administrative changes and potential support services. Conversely, there may be some savings through streamlining processes related to civil partnerships. Specific figures are not available.

Groups Affected

• Same-sex couples in Northern Ireland: Will gain the right to marry.
• Clergy: Will have the right to refuse to conduct same-sex marriages.
• Registrar General and Registrars: Will have amended responsibilities concerning marriage registration and objections.
• Civil partners: Can convert their civil partnership to a marriage.
• UK Armed forces personnel: Will have their same-sex marriages performed overseas recognized under Northern Irish law.
• Individuals undergoing gender transition: Will have a modified legal process for doing so while married or in a civil partnership.
• Pensioners and those receiving social security: Same-sex married couples will gain access to the same spousal benefits and entitlements.

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