Kent couple battle to have humanist weddings legally recognised in England

A couple from Kent have taken their battle to have humanist weddings legally recognised to the High Court in a landmark legal challenge set to last two days.
A couple from Kent have taken their battle to have humanist weddings legally recognised to the High Court in a landmark legal challenge set to last two days. Credit: ITV News Meridian

A couple from Kent have taken their battle to have humanist weddings legally recognised to the High Court in a landmark legal challenge set to last two days.

Victoria Hosegood and Charli Janeway - along with five other couples - are arguing, the law, as it stands, discriminates against them because of their humanist beliefs.

Currently, humanist ceremonies are not recognised in law, so couples must also have a civil ceremony.

  • Report by ITV News Meridian's Sarah Saunders:

The course of true love was running smooth for Charli Janeway and Victoria Hosegood, until the couple from Tonbridge decided they wanted a humanist wedding which is not legally recognised in the England.

So they are taking the government to court to push for a change in the law.

What is Humanism?

  • a non-religious ethical world view, based on science and rationality.

  • under current law couples opting for a humanist wedding ceremony - which can be held anywhere - must also have a civil ceremony.

Accredited Humanist celebrant Richard Hackett from Locksheath in Hampshire has been performing humanist wedding ceremonies for 5 years.

  • Richard Hackett, Accredited Humanist celebrant:

Humanism is a non-religious ethical world view, based on science and rationality Credit: Humanists UK

The Ministry of Justice told us:

  • wants to give couples more choice in how they celebrate their commitment to each other.

  • a law commission review is underway looking at where weddings can take place, removing red-tape and ensuring the law works for all religious and non-religious couples. 

  • due to report back next year

If the law is changed over the course of the two day High Court Hearing now underway, Charli and Victoria hope to legally marry at a humanist ceremony next year.