Way back in November 2021 a White Paper was presented to the Law Commission proposing Wedding Law Reform. Debate on it and the proposed changes to the Marriage Act of 1949 began, then stalled with the change of Government. They have since come to the fore again. The aim of the suggested reforms are to give couples more choice and provide more flexibility and inclusivity to getting married.
The Association of Independent Celebrants has been actively involved in campaigning for the recognition of Independent Celebrants in the debate.
Until recently, it seems that MPs largely did not recognise a difference between Humanist and Independent Celebrants. Since raising the differences, many MPs (particularly those who are part of Humanist UK) have campaigned for the inclusion of Humanists but the exclusion of Independents.
There argument is lacking. Stating there will be a full in the solemnity and dignity of marriage should Independents be included in the reform. And that it will become a commercial enterprise. Speaking for myself, (although I am also the Vice President of the AOIC)this makes no sense.
Churches charge a fee for performing a wedding as do Humanists. These fees are on parr with those charged by Independents. Humanists, much like religions, are a group of people who devoutly follow the same belief, in their case, that there are no gods or anything spiritual that exists outside our one life.
True Inclusivity
Independent Celebrants vary, enabling couples to access celebrants who follow all faiths or paths of spirituality. Most of whom are willing and able to include any, many, or no spiritual or religious content in their services. Thus reflecting the authenticity and beliefs of the couples. That means that mixed faith couples, pagans, wiccans, atheists and agnostics can have their services bespoke and written to include spiritual content relevant to both parties.
In fact, Independent Celebrants are the only officiants who can offer full inclusivity into a service. All others are bound to certain restrictions.
In addition to this, Independent officiants, in general, spend many months and hours working alongside their couple and (in some cases their family) to get to know them and understand their story. This means that the ceremony they write and the service they deliver is not only truly as unique as the two people making vows and promises to each other, but is also, all the more personal, solemn and reflective of the sanctity of their union. It truly reflects ALL their beliefs and their personalities and lifestyle. What could be more honest and sincere?
This Could Affect You
Following a question in the House of Commons on 3rd June this year, AOIC’s CEO, Simon McGowan said this:
“In 2025, all voices should be heard, not only those with specific beliefs. There are many multicultural and interfaith couples across England and Wales, each wanting their own, unique marriage ceremony, and it’s time lawmakers recognise modern societal differences and make relevant changes to wedding laws so everyone can have the wedding they deserve.
As the AOIC and its kindred organisations continue to fight for the rights of couples who don’t fit into the current legislative ‘boxes’, we hope that the government turns its head towards independent celebrants, considering them alongside Humanist celebrants when making their decisions.”
If you are a couple, or if you have dreams of finding your perfect partner and planning to get married in the future then how this legislation changes will affect you. For me and all members of the AOIC full inclusivity is the only going to be achieved if the Marriage Act is reformed to include all officiants,. Anything less is still exclusive to many couples and that’s not fair or representative.
Trade Association Representation for Independent Celebrants
In a recent news update following a Westminster Hall debate on 12th June, the Association of Independent Celebrants wrote this :
“It is of the AOIC’s opinion that piecemeal reform of the marriage system in England and Wales, giving only Humanist celebrants the right to marry couples, will continue to discriminate against the thousands of UK couples not subscribing to religions, like Humanism, or the hundreds of couples who are interfaith and seeking more personalised ceremonies.
Taking place on Thursday, June 12, and secured by MP Sarah Edwards (Tamworth), MP Lizzi Collinge (Morecambe and Lunesdale), and MP Freddie van Mierlo (Henley and Thame), 16 MPs took to the floor with several ambiguous statements, confusing a number of civil and Humanist celebrant facts throughout the session.”
AOIC’s CEO, Simon McGowen concluded by saying:
“By allowing only Humanist marriages, it is wholly unfair that thousands of couples will not be able to have the marriage they want and deserve, and subsequently there is indeed a disadvantage.
“The AOIC agrees with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Davies-Jones, who rejected piecemeal reform, stating that the issues needed to be considered very carefully and ‘that it would not be responsible for the Government to ignore the Law Commission’s report’.
You can read the full article and find a link to the debate transcript here
