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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY S.Y. MÉZEC OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2017
Question
Given that, in response to Written Question 1(150), the Chief Minister stated that the legislation to enable same-sex marriages to take place would be lodged "in Summer 2017", why has this not happened and will the Chief Minister provide an updated timetable as to when this legislation will be brought to the Assembly for debate?
Answer
As explained in the answer to Written Question 1(150), law drafting instructions have been issued.
Those instructions provide for significant changes to the Marriage and Civil Status (Jersey) Law 2001 in order to allow for same-sex marriage, open air marriage and more choice over the content of civil marriage ceremonies.
The amended law will also provide improved safeguards against sham and forced marriage, make it easier for residents and visitors to arrange their weddings in Jersey, and make it easier for Jersey residents getting married overseas to prove their civil status.
The extent of these changes has, unfortunately, delayed the lodging of the draft law. I am meeting stakeholders within the next week and will publish a more detailed timetable in due course.