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WQ.320/2022
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS BY DEPUTY M. TADIER OF ST. BRELADE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2022 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 5th DECEMBER 2022
Question
“Will the Minister –
- explain the reasons for any difference in approach to legislation regarding what is permitted in terms of religious content of weddings that take place at the Registry Office and funerals that take place at the Crematorium, given that both are ostensibly secular settings; and
- explain why the Registry Office is not allowed to have religious icons, whereas the Crematorium has a permanent cross on the wall which can be covered up at the request of the organisers; whether she is considering regularising this current position and, if so, how?”
Answer
- Permitted religious content within a civil ceremony held at any location (including the Register Office) is prescribed by Article 17(8) and 17(9) of the Marriage & Civil Status (Jersey) Law 2001 and is limited in nature. Funeral services (including those held at the Crematorium) are not subject to legislation, including in terms of content.
- The Register Office is a ceremony space for the solemnisation of civil marriage ceremonies. As such, religious symbols have never been featured in the Register Office. The ceremony space at Jersey Crematorium is offered as a location for hire for the use of a funeral, memorial or committal service. It can be used as a secular space or as a faith space and a variety of faith symbols are available for use by request of next of kin.