Same-sex marriage: French parliament approves new law

France has become the 14th country to approve a law allowing gay marriage. The bill, which also legalises adoption by same-sex couples, was passed by 321 votes to 225 in the French parliament....

BBC • Apr 23, 2013

France's parliament approve gay marriage article

The French National Assembly has approved the most important article of a bill to legalise same-sex marriage. Deputies voted 249-97 in favour of redefining marriage as being an agreement between two people - not just between a man and a woman....

BBC • Feb 5, 2013

Gay marriage: MPs set to vote on proposals for the first time

MPs are set to get their first chance to vote on plans to allow same-sex marriages in England and Wales. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill will be debated in Parliament on Tuesday 5 February, the leader of the Commons Andrew Lansley has announced....

BBC • Jan 25, 2013

Scottish cabinet holds off decision on gay marriage move

The Scottish government has said it would not make a decision on controversial gay marriage legislation until the end of this month. Members of the cabinet met in Edinburgh to talk about the issue....

BBC • Jul 17, 2012

US governor Jerry Brown calls on Scots to lead over gay marriage

The governor of a US state embroiled in a legal row over gay marriage has urged Scotland's politicians to press ahead with equality legislation. The advice from California's Jerry Brown comes as the Scottish government prepares to release details of its consultation into same-sex marriage. ...

BBC • Jun 26, 2012

Same-sex marriage march in Edinburgh

More than 1,000 campaigners for same-sex marriage have taken to the streets of Edinburgh to urge the Scottish government to change the law. The march featured a giant Valentine's Day card to Alex Salmond....

BBC • Feb 15, 2012

Big response to Scottish gay marriage plan

The Scottish government's consultation on bringing in same-sex marriage has had about 50,000 responses. SNP ministers favour the move but it is opposed by big religious organisations such as the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church. Submissions to the 14-week consultation close at midnight on Friday....

BBC • Dec 9, 2011

Catholic Church steps up gay marriage attack

The Catholic Church in Scotland has stepped up its campaign against proposals to allow gay marriage. The Archbishop of Glasgow, Mario Conti, has written to every parish in Scotland, urging all Catholics to oppose the planned legislation....

BBC • Oct 9, 2011

Scottish government launches gay marriage consultation

A consultation on the issue of same-sex marriages and religious ceremonies for civil partnerships has been launched by Scottish ministers. The Scottish government said its initial view was that same-sex marriage should be introduced. However, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said faith groups who did not want to "solemnise" gay marriages should not be made to do so. Interested groups can make t...

BBC • Sep 2, 2011

Quakers to allow equal marriages

One of the UK's oldest Christian denominations - the Quakers - looks set to extend marriage services to same-sex couples at their yearly meeting later. The society has already held religious blessings for same-sex couples who have had a civil partnership ceremony. But agreeing to perform equal marriages, which are currently not allowed under civil law, could bring the Quakers into conflict with ...

BBC • Jul 31, 2009

MAJOR NEWS: Iowa upholds gay marriage rights

Iowa's Supreme Court has ruled that a ban on same-sex marriages in the US state was unconstitutional. The judges rejected an appeal against a lower court's 2007 ruling that the ban violated the rights of gay men and women in the state. The case stems from a 2005 suit filed by a New York-based gay-rights group on behalf of six gay and lesbian couples. Iowa now becomes the third US state to allo...

BBC • Apr 3, 2009

Brown attacks US gay marriage ban

He also praised equality campaigners in the UK for "changing opinion" about same-sex unions. "You have shown how the legislative process, by your pressure, can respond," he said....

BBC • Mar 7, 2009