Overview

This bill amends the Marriage Act 1949 to allow authorised belief organisations, starting with the British Humanist Association, to conduct legally binding marriages. These ceremonies must be non-religious and conducted according to specific regulations outlined in the bill.

Description

Authorised Belief Organisations

The bill defines and allows for the authorization of "belief organisations." These are groups whose primary purpose is the advancement of non-religious beliefs related to morality or ethics. The Secretary of State can authorize additional organizations via statutory instrument, subject to parliamentary approval. The British Humanist Association is automatically included.

Marriage Procedures

Authorized organizations can solemnize marriages according to their own customs, but these ceremonies cannot involve religious services. Each organisation must designate a principal officer to appoint registering officers. Marriages must take place with open doors, in the presence of a registrar or appointed registering officer and two witnesses. At least one marrying party must be a member of the organization, with the other either a member or authorized to marry under the organization's rules. The bill specifies requirements for record-keeping and the safeguarding of marriage certificates.

Consequential Amendments

The bill makes numerous consequential amendments to the Marriage Act 1949 to accommodate the inclusion of authorised belief organisations in marriage procedures and registration processes. These amendments ensure consistency and clarity in all aspects of marriage registration.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't explicitly state the impact on government spending. However, there will likely be administrative costs associated with the authorization of belief organisations, the regulation of marriage ceremonies, and the updated record-keeping and registration processes. Exact figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Belief Organisations: The British Humanist Association and potentially other similar organizations will gain the ability to officiate marriages, expanding their services and potentially influencing their membership.
• Couples: Couples who align with the beliefs and values of authorized belief organizations will have access to additional options for marriage ceremonies.
• Government Agencies: The Registrar General's office and other relevant government departments will have increased administrative responsibilities related to the authorization process, record-keeping, and oversight.
• Religious Organizations: This bill's impact on religious organizations is unclear, but it could indirectly alter the landscape of marriage ceremonies and their associated traditions, although the bill explicitly states that no religious services may be used in the new ceremonies.

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