Equal Love Campaign

  1. Religious Marriage for Same-Sex Couples

    7 December 2012

    The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) is delighted by the latest statement from David Cameron that the opportunity for religious bodies to solemnise marriage for same-sex couples will be included in the forthcoming proposals.

    Originally the proposal was to only allow civil marriage which would fall short of true equality and deny lesbian and gay couples the ability to express their faith in their commitment to each other.

    LGCM has made it clear throughout that no faith, denomination or individual should be forced into performing a marriage for a same-sex couple but by the same token those for whom this is in keeping with their theology should not be deprived of this opportunity.

    The Reverend Sharon Ferguson, Chief Executive, said:

    ‘This is wonderful news, it feels like Christmas has come early. True equality is about all people having the same choices and this is what lesbian and gay couples will finally have regarding marriage if this legislation goes through. This is a bold step for the government to take.’

    Reverend Ferguson is part of the lead couple in the Equal Love campaign who submitted an application to the ECHR eighteen months ago to bring about marriage equality for same -sex couples. She added:

    ‘The possibility that I will finally be able to marry my partner in church, before God, and surrounded by my congregation, family and friends fills me with joy. Being an ordained minister I am also excited at the prospect of being able to perform marriage  ceremonies for my congregation.’


  2. Gay Marriage Reception with Nick Clegg

    12 September 2012

    Image of Nick CleggAlthough there were many faces I expected to see at this reception it was also interesting to see some different people, like Hugh Grant and Stephen Fry.

    Most of the time was spent networking and catching up with what different organisations are doing with a brief interlude to hear from Nick Clegg and be entertained by the choir ‘Diversity’.

    I had the opportunity to speak to Nick and emphasis once again the importance of being allowed to have a religious marriage and this not being denied by those who do not wish to do so.

    I also spent considerable time talking with both Lynne Featherstone and her successor, Maria Miller, and was pleased that the commitment to equal marriage remains the same.

    Whilst noone was prepared to pre-empt the report from the consultation process which is due to be announced in November, the vibe was very positive.

    Unfortunately Nick didn’t say a lot about the consultation or share anything new as most of his comments related to his recent use of the word ‘bigot’ for those opposed to equal marriage.

    Whilst chatting with Hugh Grant I was reminded once again how little most people know about the differences between Civil Partnerships and Marriage and especially the social impact of these two institutions.  This was very evident at the recent Greenbelt meeting, with a predominantly ‘straight’ audience, which tells me that there is still a lot of educating to be done.


  3. LGBT Reception at No. 10 Downing Street

    17 August 2012

    Sharon shakes Prime Minister David Cameron's Hand at No 10 Garden PartyRev Sharon Ferguson recently attended the LGBT Reception at 10 Downing Street. It was a lively evening with over 150 distinguished guests from all areas of life enjoying the sunshine in the gardens.

    David Cameron addressed the gathering and praised the lgbt community for the positive contribution it makes to society. His talk had two main themes: the Olympic Games which were about to start and the introduction of equal marriage.

    He made it abundantly clear that the law will be changed to allow for civil marriage between same sex couples but there was no mention of allowing marriages to be solemnised by religious personel. However, I was able to speak to him personally and pressed upon him the importance of this issue.

    I have attended a number of these receptions over the past few years and I have always been only too aware of the lack of represention of lgbt people of faith. Consequently it was a pure delight to see so many ‘dog collars’ in attendance this year!