MPs took part in a Westminster Hall debate on humanist marriages, appealing for a change in the law to allow humanist weddings to be legally recognised.
They are legal in Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey, but not in England and Wales, despite the law being under review since 2013.
In the debate MPs gave personal stories of travelling to Scotland to enable a humanist wedding to take place, or others who had to book two ceremonies – one legal civil ceremony and another humanist celebration a few days apart.
Government Minister Alex Davies-Jonessaid that the “strength of feeling and frustration” was very clear, but she was against piecemeal reform.
The government is actively considering humanist weddings and working at pace, but wants to consider the Law Commission’s review before enacting change.