THEGAYUK

Tag: Gay Marriage

All the latest breaking news on gay and same-sex marriage. Browse The THEGAYUK’s complete collection of features, articles and updates on gay and same-sex marriage.

  • Gay Marriage Could Still Be Halted In Slovenia

    Slovenia’s Parliament voted yesterday to legalise same-sex marriages and grant such unions equal rights to those of heterosexual couples, which means it also enables same-sex couples to adopt children too.

    The bill was approved by a vote of 51 to 28 in the 90-seat Parliament.

    During the session, some 2,000 people gathered in front of parliament to protest against the bill and announce they will launch a petition for a referendum to prevent it from entering into force. According to Slovenia’s legislation, a referendum on the implementation of a bill can be called if 40,000 citizens with their signatures back such a vote.

  • First Former Communist Country, Slovenia To Make Gay Marriage A Reality

    Slovenia has become the first post-Communist country to announce the legalisation of same-sex marriages in time for the second annual Pink Week 2015 celebration in May.

    Two million more people in Europe will be living with marriage equality as the Slovene government announces the introduction of same-sex marriage in time for PinkWeek 2015.

    On Tuesday the 3rd of March the Slovenian parliament voted to legalise same-sex marriages. This makes Slovenia the first of any former Yugoslavian/Balkan country to pass such a law.

    In the past two years, Slovenia has become increasingly recognised as one of Europe’ s most LGBT-friendly locations, not least due to the establishing of special LGBT tours and the country’s annual Pink Week.
    Designed specifically for the global LGBT community and their open-minded friends, Pink Week encompasses an exclusive full-spectrum getaway experience that allows participants to discover Slovenia’s hidden gems and culinary delights in a single three-night break.

    Matej & Mattej founders co-creator of Slovenia’s Pink Week, said, “We are absolutely delighted that Slovenia has become the first post-Communist country to legalise same-sex marriage. It is yet more proof that this beautiful country is now one of Europe’s top destinations for LGBT travellers.”

    As it stands in March 2015 LGBTs in Slovenia celebrate the following rights:

    ◉ Same-sex sexual activity legal (since 1977)
    ◉ Equal age of consent (since 1977)
    ◉ Anti-discrimination laws in employment only (since 1998)
    ◉ Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services (since 1998)
    ◉ Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) (since 1998)
    ◉ Same-sex marriages (since 2015)
    ◉ Recognition of same-sex couples (since 2006)
    ◉ Step-child adoption by same-sex couples (since 2011)
    ◉ Joint adoption by same-sex couples (since 2015)
    ◉ Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the military
    ◉ Right to change legal gender
    ◉ MSMs NOT allowed to donate blood
    ◉ Access to IVF for lesbians
    ◉ NO Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples (banned for heterosexual couples as well)

  • LGBT Equality Is The Defining Civil Rights Struggle Of Our Time

    These are words of the remarkable outgoing US Attorney General Eric Holder who persuaded President Barak Obama to get on board and support same-sex marriage. In an op-ed piece in USA Today the Attorney General writes about the issue that the US Supreme Court will revisit this year.

    “This week, the Justice Department will file a brief setting forth our position that state bans on same-sex marriage violate the fundamental constitutional guarantee of “equal protection of the laws.” It is clear that the time has come to recognise that gay and lesbian people deserve robust protection from discrimination.

    Nothing justifies excluding same-sex couples from the institution of marriage. Denying them the right to marry serves only to demean them and their children, to degrade the dignity of their families and to deny them the full, free and equal participation in American life to which every citizen is entitled.Marriage bans inflict concrete harms that touch nearly every aspect of daily life for gay and lesbian couples. The bans intersect with issues as varied as workers’ compensation, taxation and inheritance, posing challenges to basic financial security. Same-sex couples living in states with bans too often face obstacles to adopting and raising children together. And restrictions on medical decision-making and hospital visitation impose devastating burdens during the moments when a partner is needed most.

    The mental and emotional injuries are just as acute. A marriage ban written into state law broadcasts the state’s view that same-sex couples and their children are second-class families, undeserving of the rights and protections offered to opposite-sex couples. It creates a stigma that pervades society, encouraging individuals to harass or belittle even their loved ones because of pressures brought by their community. And it harms relationships between family members by perpetuating a destructive notion that some individuals — and some children — should be shown less love and support simply because of who they are. That is a view the Department of Justice flatly rejects. And with our brief, we will make clear that the United States stands firmly on the side of equality.’

  • The Queen Is Happy For Us (Queens)

    According to newly-wed STEPHEN FRY who revealed when he was a guest on THE JONATHAN ROSS SHOW, Her Majesty is delighted with the fact that we can now get married.

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  • When The Good News Is Followed By Bad News

    Today Alabama become the latest US State to allow same-sex marriage after US District Judge Ginny Granade ruled that the Alabama Marriage Protection Act and the amendment that later enshrined it in the state constitution both were unconstitutional.

    However just as we start the celebrations HRC the major gay rights organisation reminded us that whilst we now have the freedom to marry in some 37 States, it still doesn’t stop the fact that in 15 of them, gay people can be can still be fired from their job just because of their sexual orientation.

    The 15 States in question have no laws that specifically prohibit employment or housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, so the words ‘I Do’ can, and often are, followed by ‘You’re Fired’

  • Benedict Cumberbatch Married Judge Rinder And His Husband

    Now there are three amazing things about this story: they include Benedict Cumberbatch, Ibiza and a certain marriage between Judge Rinder and his partner.

    It’s not every day you can claim to be married by a superstar like Benedict Cumberbatch, but TV’s own Judge Rinder can say just that.

    The Imitation Game actor Benedict Cumberbatch married the larger-than-life Robert Rinder, who is ITV’s darling of afternoon TV. For those who aren’t in the know, Judge Rinder is the frontman of a hugely successful reality courtroom show, very much similar to Judge Judy, with a little more bite in it.

    Last year the real-life barrister married his long-term boyfriend Seth Cumming at a sun-drenched ceremony on Ibiza. The marriage was officiated by Cumberbatch who is an old friend of Rinder’s from Manchester University.

    In an interview with the Daily Mail, worries for his career were posed to the judge, who quipped,

    ‘It’s very sweet of you to be worried about my career,’ he says, ‘but I’m not sure anyone who knows me well will be surprised to find me doing something like this, and obviously I’ve told all my clients. I thought about it carefully before I dipped my toe in the water of entertainment. As long as I’m not bringing the bar into disrepute – which I don’t think I am – then it seems I’m on safe ground.’

    Along with Benedict, Rob shared his big day with Ivan Massow, who is planning to run for London Mayor this year.

     

  • SEVENTY PERCENT Of Gay Americans Live With Marriage Equality

    A Federal Judge on Monday declared South Dakota’s same-sex marriage ban ‘unconstitutional’ paving the way for this to become the 37th US State that will allow gay marriage.

    Or will it make it the 38th? With so many Court rulings popping up almost weekly these days it’s hard to keep track of the actual number of States where same-sex marriage is legal. With the US Supreme Court so far still refusing to step in again to re-visit the whole federal Constitutional Issue, it has been left to each of the 50 States to resolve the matter for themselves. Many of them, like Florida the nation’s 3rd most populated State, put up a fierce and often dirty fight by Officials and its Far Right ‘Christian’ Supporters, but to no avail in the end.

    It is estimated that 70% of gay people in the US now live in States where same-sex marriage is illegal, and it is no longer a question of IF they remaining 13 (or 14?) States will catch up, but just a matter of when. However, these last few are the country’s most conservative/republican ones and getting their laws changed will not be easy.

    The USA is hoping to beat its neighbour Mexico to become the 20th Country in the world where same-sex marriage is totally legal.

    The first 19 are Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Argentina, Denmark, France, Brazil, Uruguay, New Zealand, Britain, Luxembourg and Finland)

  • All Aboard: Gay Commitment Ceremonies At Sea

    Cunard’s exquisite ships have always offered the perfect setting to celebrate a special occasion from a birthday, anniversary, or wedding. However, from December 2014 Cunard be giving their guests even more reason to celebrate as they introduce Commitment Ceremonies on board their magnificent fleet.

    For the first time in Cunard’s history, guests who are looking to confirm and declare their love in a stylish and memorable Commitment Ceremony will be able to on board Cunard’s Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2.

    Dr Field from Maine, New England in the United States, who first sailed on Queen Mary 2 in 2007 from New York to Southampton, has booked the very first Commitment Ceremony on board Cunard’s flagship liner, choosing to renew his vows with his husband Joe in style:

    “Queen Mary 2 is a work of art and all of the staff was highly professional and personable,” explained Dr Field.

    “When I saw that Cunard would have a Christmas and New Year’s cruise I very much wanted to share my love of the ship and crew with Joe, my husband. Soon after booking our travel I came across the Commitment Ceremony and thought what a beautiful way to renew our vows.”

    Seizing the opportunity, Dr Field and his partner had no hesitation when it came to booking their special day with Cunard; Dr Field continued:

    “We were recently married in Maine with the thought that we could strengthen and deepen our love with the ceremony. We wanted to exchange our vows in the Commitment Ceremony because it was described as both simple and elegant. Joe had indicated what he wanted in the ceremony and we both look forward to having his dreams come true. What’s more, Cunard has been fantastic in helping us to shape that special day.”

    Guests can relax and enjoy their special day as they let Cunard organise everything from the invitations to guests, complimentary champagne, floral arrangements, traditional music and much more.

    Angus Struthers, Cunard’s Marketing Director, said:

    “Cunard is renowned for playing to host to some of the most important occasions in people’s lives, and we are extremely pleased to add Commitment Ceremonies to our ever-growing agenda. With the timeless elegance of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth our ships will provide the perfect setting for our guests very special day.”

    Prices start from £2,000 on board Queen Victoria (Q410-V601) and Queen Elizabeth (Q411-Q601) and $2,500 on board Queen Mary 2.

  • Watch This Amazing Marriage Equality Video: ARMAGAYDDON

    A brilliant parody video has emerged about the future results of same-sex marriage in Ireland circa 2017.

    The video, which was produced by like:minded productions in association with LGBT Noise, shows what life could be like for two non-gays in Ireland two years after gay marriage.

    The video has already been seen by over 180,000 people.

    Currently same-sex couples can be civilly partnered under the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010.

    A discussion about the legal recognition of same-sex marriages in the Irish Constitution has grown in Ireland recently. This amendment is due to be discussed in February to April 2015.

  • There’s been nearly 1500 gay marriages in two month – since it became legal

    Nearly 1500 same-sex couples get married in the two months after it became legal in England Wales.

    The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today released provisional statistics showing that there were 1409 same-sex marriages since 29th March 2014 and 30th June 2014.

    However, the uptake of marriage between gay couples was lower than Civil Partnerships when they were introduced in 2004.

    Same-sex marriage was made legal in England and Wales in March 2014. Scotland is to follow with the first gay marriages to take place sometime before the end of the year.

    56% of marriages were to females, whilst 44% were male on male marriages.

    According to the ONS ‘The majority of men and women marrying had never been married or in a civil partnership before (91% of males and 79% of females). Women were more likely than men to have previously been in a civil partnership or marriage that ended in dissolution or divorce (9% of men, 20% of women). A very small percentage of marriages took place for men and women whose previous marriage or civil partnership had ended with the death of their partner (0.5% of men and 0.9% of women).’

  • OPINION | Do We Need To Redefine The Term Marriage To Accommodate Our “Monogaymy”?

    MONOGAMY VS. MONOGAYMY

    Monogamy is not a board game that you used to play at Christmas with the family. Monogamy is not a kind of wood. Monogamy is to practice being with one person only and having sex with that one person only. I know just a handful of gay couples that have a strictly monogamous relationship. Is it old-fashioned or unrealistic to believe you can find happiness in one person?

    The majority of gay couples I know enjoy three-way, utilise Grindr with separate profiles, and indulge in chem-sex parties. It just seems so empty to me. However, these couples are not constantly arguing, striving to be in a different room/postcode from one another- they are very happy. The setup obviously works for them. In fact, it works extremely well as these are the couples that have been together for the longest time, and I am talking up to 20 years.

    For me, an open relationship would not be an option. If a partner even suggested inviting someone else into the bedroom, I would walk away. In a relationship, I want to be my partner’s ultimate, the one and only. Not a supplement, or “just enough”. And I do not share (only child). But, I can’t help feel I am missing out on a big secret, or rather, not quite being able to grasp that the key to a successful long lasting relationship, maybe it being an open one.

    I am single, and for the first time properly in about 11 years. I’m loving it, but I know the novelty will wear off… Perhaps. With the last 3 years being absorbed by absolute time wasters, the next time around, I want to do it properly. Is it bad to say I’m only 28 but am TIRED of dating? I would like the next guy I am with to be the one I end up marrying. Please.

    A lot of these couples that I type of being in open relationships are in fact married / civil partners. If I didn’t understand being in an open relationship with your boyfriend then I certainly am unable to grasp the idea of carrying that through into a marriage. Isn’t the whole essence of marriage to declare your love and devotion to each other? And no one else?

    Perhaps the guidelines, vows etc. of marriage are archaic and out-dated. Marriage is, after all, an extremely traditional concept. Whilst the world, humans, technology, music etc. evolve and grow, what is to say that we cannot rewrite/adapt such things as marriage. Do we need to redefine marriage?

    Gay people have a stigma of being promiscuous with our evident open-relationships, and the club drug sex party scene… I don’t even have to explain, you know we do! With gay rights being pretty much everywhere recently in the news along with gay marriage in particular. Do you think perhaps that in some instances, it may not have been homophobia that sparked people to be against gay marriage, but more that how can we expect a global nod to gay marriage when it would appear to others that a lot of gay couples lack the understanding or are unwilling to abide by what “traditional” marriage stands for?

    Perhaps, we need to take a long hard look at traditional concepts and re-write them according to the times. Perhaps we should not. With ever-evolving guidelines, it would surely ensure abolishment of the idea of tradition altogether. If we redefine terms to match our current normality, then what was normal before this normal? Tradition cannot exist without its contradiction. The task to redefine marriage and monogamy could become complicated as each partnership is different and are likely to have their own mandate when it comes to man dates.

    We are spacious with our sexuality compared to the clearly set span of straight relationships/marriage. Someone said to me recently that straight couples fall casualty to break-ups due to the monogamous regime, and gay partnerships last longer due to the ménage a trois/quatre/cinq/six set up.

    Maybe I have fallen victim to our world encouraging us to put things into categorised boxes and in this instance, I am unable to place where I currently stand and where I want to stand on the idea of someone else being intimate with my partner. What are your views on the subject? Do we need to redefine the term marriage to accommodate our “monogaymy”?

     

     

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