女王"御准" 英國通過同性婚姻法案

England and Wales became the 16th and 17th countries in the world to recognize gay marriage after Queen Elizabeth II gave 「royal assent」 to a same-sex marriage bill.

Under the new law, gay men and women will be able to join together in civil ceremonies or in church services — although no religious denomination will be forced to carry out such services.

Cheers, laughter and clapping broke out in the House of Commons when Speaker John Bercow announced the bill had been approved.

「The fact that the bill passed through both Houses (Commons and Lords) undefeated is a huge accomplishment for the government,」 said Equalities Minister Maria Miller. 「This is an historic moment that will resonate in many people』s lives. I am proud that we have made it happen and I look forward to the first same sex wedding by next summer. The title of this bill might be 『marriage』 but its fabric is about freedom and respect.」

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg told supporters the new law would ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people felt 「recognized and valued and no longer excluded.」

The bill』s passage saw many angry exchanges. It had the full support of Prime Minister David Cameron, despite the consternation of many in his own Conservative Party. The leaders of two other main parties, the Liberal Democrats and New Labour, also backed it. But some political commentators predict Cameron』s gay-friendly attitudes will cost him at the next election in 2015.

【新聞快訊】繼英國議會16日通過在英格蘭和威爾士允許同性戀結婚的法案後，英國女王伊麗莎白二世於次日「御准」該法案。這表明該法案得到王室許可成為法律，同性戀伴侶最早可於2014年在上述兩地結婚。

英議會下院議長約翰?伯考17日表示，同性婚姻在英格蘭和威爾士已合法化，為法律所保障。

英女王伊麗莎白二世的批准意味著上述兩地的同性伴侶有望最早在2014年夏季舉行婚禮。不過，英國宗教組織和機構仍將有權決定是否為同性戀者主持婚禮。

英國議會下院16日通過了由上院提議的同性婚姻法案。而同性戀權益者早在15日夜間就開始歡呼雀躍，因為英國政府此前表明支持法案。這是繼美國加利福利亞同性戀法案通過後，同性戀維權戰的又一場大勝。