What it says
The Government has proposed to allow same sex couples in England and Wales to marry through a civil marriage. A similar consultation has already been conducted in Scotland and NUS Scotland has been actively campaigning around the issue.
The consultation has found that civil marriages would need to be held on secular premises. And therefore a marriage through a religious ceremony and on religious premises would still only be legally possible between a man and a woman. However, it will still be possible for same-sex couples to have a civil partnership, including the ability to have a civil partnership registration on religious premises.
Furthermore, trans people will be able to change their legal gender without having to legally end their existing marriage or civil partnership.
What is NUS doing?
NUS will submit a formal response to the consultation and we will be seeking the views of students to inform our response. Look out for opportunities to get involved! We will also consult with faith groups and seek the views of students with a religion or belief to inform our response.
To find out the NUS view, what we are doing, and what student's unions can do, read the full report here.
To read about the Campaign 4 Equal Marriage, and to sign the petition, please go here.