The British government is to allow homosexual couples to hold civil ceremonies in church, as the equalities minister, Lynne Featherstone, lifts the ban on 5 December.Despite likely opposition from religious leaders and church groups, British Prime Minister David Cameron
... has stated that he is
certainly a big Thatcher fan, but I don't know whether that makes me a Thatcherite,which means he's not. Since he is
not deeply ideologicalhe lacks core principles and is easily led. He has been described as
certainly not a Pitt, Elder or Younger,but he does wear a nice suit so maybe he's Beau Brummel ...
has supported the decision.
Under the proposals, no church will be compelled to provide homosexual couples with services. Nevertheless, some officials are to take measures to ensure churches will not deny gay couples civil ceremonies.
Around 1,500 civil partnerships would take place in churches after the ban is lifted.
The proposals have raised great concerns among the Christian community as the Church of England has announced that it would not bless homosexual couples.
Offering services to same-sex couples faced opposition when it was first proposed, with the then Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev David James, telling politicians in the House of Lords it would blur the distinction with marriage.
Furthermore, the Church of England proposed that the government should authorize "each religious tradition to resolve these matters in accordance with its own tradition."
Under the scheme, every individual clergy should seek the approval of the whole denomination before asking parish churches to provide homosexual couples with civil ceremonies.
Moreover, the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales has expressed their opposition to the decision.