After Queen Elizabeth II gave her stamp of approval, Britain legalized gay marriage!
Just yesterday, the bill to legalize same-sex marriage in England and Wales passed in Parliament. Today, House of Commons Speaker John Bercow announced to cheering lawmakers that royal clearance, a formality and necessary step for a bill to become law, had been given.
The Washington Post explains:
The law enables gay couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies in England and Wales, although the Church of England is barred from conducting same-sex unions.
It also will allow couples who had previously entered into civil partnerships — which carry similar rights and responsibilities to marriage — to convert their relationships to marriage.
The weddings will begin next summer. Mazel tov!
