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‘Historic moment’ for Isle of Man as same sex marriage becomes law

The island's Tower of Refuge lit in the colours of the rainbow flag during a recent tribute. Credit: manxrainbow

A new law allowing same sex marriage in the Isle of Man will come into effect on Friday, the Tynwald Government has confirmed.

Final implementation of the Marriage and Civil Partnership Amendment Act was welcomed by Chief Minister Allan Bell CBE MHK, who described the move as an ‘historic moment’ for the Island.

"Recognition of marriage for same sex couples in Manx law is a truly historic moment, showing just how far the Island has travelled over the past 30 years.

"It sends out a clear message that the Isle of Man today is a modern, open and inclusive society where equal rights are respected.

"I believe that the values of fairness and tolerance reflected in this legislation are shared by the overwhelming majority of our population."

– Allan Bell, Chief Minister

The Act enables same sex couples to marry either in a civil ceremony, in a register office or approved premises, or in religious premises (except those of the Church of England) subject to the agreement of the religious organisation in question.

The legislation also makes the Isle of Man the first place in the British Isles to allow opposite sex couples to enter into civil partnerships as an alternative to marriage.

Civil partnerships have been available to same sex couples in the Isle of Man since 2011.