Marriage equality has finally arrived to the channel island of Jersey. The small British community off the coast of Normandy agreed to allow same-sex couples to wed almost two years ago, but the legislation has been bogged down as politicians argued over a series of proposed amendments.

Last week politicians passed the legislation 44-1, after a call to include an amendment to allow businesses to discriminate against gay couples if it was inline with their religious beliefs was knocked back.

The new law must know go to the Privy Council for Royal Ascent, but the first gay couples are expected to walk down the aisle in May.

The passing of the legislation follows that of other channel islands including  Guernsey, Alderney and the Isle of Man. Northern Island is now the only place in the United Kingdom where same sex couples are barred for marriage.

OIP Staff