By Gudrun Schultz
UNITED KINGDOM, England, January 16, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Registry offices in the UK are taking down all signs referring to “marriage.” The Government has advised regional councils to change sign wording in case gay couples are offended. Homosexual relationships can now be registered as Civil Partnerships, under the UK’s new legislation.
Religious leaders, who have been concerned over EU recommendations to override clergy’s rights to opt out of solemnizing gay unions, are alarmed at the wording changes.
Bishop John Hine, Chairman of the Bishop’s Committee for Marriage and Family Life, sees the move as yet another blow to the traditional concept of marriage.
“One of the arguments supporting the introduction of civil partnerships was that there would be no adverse implications for the stature of marriage, ” Bishop Hine told the Universe Catholic. “The alleged removal of all reference to marriage in registry offices rather knocks the bottom out of the government’s argument.”
Reverend Ron Curtis, of St Thomas’s Church, Stourbridge, told the Express and Star he did not believe anyone would be offended by the word marriage in the register signs.
“So many people can be offended in so many different ways, I think care does have to be taken,” he said. “However, I am very surprised this has happened.”
The Government-issued Civil Partnership checklist, which contains the signage recommendations, also suggests registry offices change the heading of their stationary packages from “Your Wedding” to “Your Ceremony.”
Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe said: “This is an extreme form of political correctness gone mad. Thankfully marriage is still a recognized activity and should be advertised as such.”
The General Register Office of England and Wales say they have issued no guidance over the signs and it is entirely a matter for the local authorities.