19 January 2017
Law draftsman have been issued instructions to amend the Marriage and Civil Status (Jersey) Law 2001 paving the way for gay couples to get married in Jersey.
The changes to the law will also allow couples to marry in open air ceremonies. In addition, the amended law will:
- make it significantly easier for people to organise their wedding in Jersey, including overseas visitors who want to get married on our beaches and in the open air
- provide much better safeguards against sham and forced marriage, protecting people from potential harm and supporting immigration control
- allow couples more choice about the music and content of their civil marriage ceremonies.
Deputy Chief Minister, Senator Andrew Green, said “In September 2015, the States Assembly agreed, in principle, to amend the law to allow same-sex couples to get married in Jersey by the end of 2017. On commencing that work it became clear that a major overhaul of the existing law was required, allowing us to benefit all couples who want to get married in Jersey, including those who live elsewhere.”
gov.je