Where Britain’s Marriage Bill Stands

Yesterday the House Of Lords finished the report stage on its version of the marriage equality bill. Pink News explains what happens next:

As it is now in its final form, it will return to the House of Lords on Monday for a vote. If passed in its Third Reading, the bill will be different to that which passed in the House of Commons, so will return there for approval. If the House of Commons makes changes, the bill returns to the House of Lords, and can go back and forth until both are agreed. This process is known as parliamentary ping pong, and is scheduled for 16 and 17 July, when Parliament goes into recess. If the process is not agreed by then, the bill cannot be debated again until late into 2013. Once eventually passed in both Houses, the bill will be given Royal Assent, before coming law, however it is unlikely that Royal Assent will be given until after summer recess.

The bill only applies to England and Wales. A separate marriage bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament late last month.