Couples will soon be able to hold a humanist ceremony in Jersey, thanks to new legislation currently underway
Jersey is set to be the latest part of the British Isles to give legal recognition to humanist marriages, joining Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
Following a legislative proposal made by state of Jersey deputy, Louise Doublet, and Humanists UK, Jersey’s chief minister has now announced that the new legislation to give legal recognition to both same-sex and humanist marriages will be tabled before the States of Jersey Assembly on 14 November 2017.
Humanists UK chief executive, Andrew Copson, said: ‘We’re delighted Jersey has chosen to extend legal recognition to humanist marriages. Humanist wedding ceremonies are personalised to non-religious couples’ deepest beliefs and values, and conducted by a celebrant who shares the couple’s beliefs in a venue of their choosing. They are increasingly popular. It’s great to see Jersey recognise this demand with legal recognition.’
A humanist wedding is a non-religious ceremony that is deeply personal and conducted by a humanist celebrant. It differs from a civil wedding in that it is entirely hand-crafted and reflective of the humanist beliefs and values of the couple, conducted by a celebrant who shares their beliefs and values.
This news will undoubtedly spur other areas of the British Isles to follow suit, with England and Wales still yet to grant its governmental power to extend legal recognition - despite this being in place since 2013.
Read more about Humanists UK’s campaigns around marriage laws: https://humanism.org.uk/campai
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