The part about still not permitting church weddings is a bit odd, since the government is literally telling churches they CAN'T do the weddings even if they want to. In America, that's none of the government's business, what the churches do or don't do. Still, this is one hell of a foot in the door. From the Daily Mail:
Miss Featherstone will announce that a consultation will begin next March on allowing homosexuals to get married. A change in the law will follow the consultation.
Under the plans, same-sex couples will be able to have full marriages in registry offices, as heterosexual couples can.
But they will still be barred from getting married in churches and other religious buildings – even though some denominations want to offer the services. Coalition sources said ministers are determined to enact the change before the next election.
Downing Street made it clear that the Prime Minister had taken a strong personal interest in the move, and had insisted that progress be speeded up.
Under changes announced earlier this year, churches and other religious buildings will soon be able to host civil partnerships for the first time – although they will not be forced to do so.
