Earlier this year, legislation was introduced which enables same-sex couples to marry within England and Wales, or to convert their existing civil-partnerships into a marriage; and similar laws are expected to be introduced into Scotland later this year.
Now, it has been announced that British nationals will be able to have a same-sex marriage in British Consulates in 23 countries around the world, including Russia – despite their president, last year, signing into law a Bill punishing people for “homosexual propaganda”.
The latest legislation enabling British nationals to have a same-sex marriage in British Consulates, follows the introduction of the “Consular Marriage and Marriages under Foreign Law Order 2014”, which was introduced on Tuesday (June 3rd).
The UK government have confirmed that whilst British nationals will be able to have a same-sex marriage in a British Consulate, the list of countries where this can happen is limited because British missions are only able to provide same-sex marriage services in countries where it is not possible for British nationals to have same-sex marriages under local laws.
Some of the countries listed on the list, alongside Russia, include Australia, Bolivia, China, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia and Vietnam; although local authorities will be required to grant permission for the mission to conduct consular marriages of same-sex couples.
With the latest legislation paving the way for British nationals to have a same-sex marriage in one of 23 British Consulates, for those same-sex couples who wish to discuss marriage, or those who are going through the dissolution of their civil partnership, our family law solicitors in Lincoln will be able to assist.
To find out how we can help you, contact our solicitors today.