Published
Jul 1, 2021Page count
128 pagesISBN
978-1529212808Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 1, 2021Page count
128 pagesISBN
978-1529212815Dimensions
Imprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 1, 2021Page count
128 pagesISBN
978-1529212815Dimensions
Imprint
Bristol University PressIn the media
POLICY BRIEFING: Religion and Marriage Law - The Need for Reform
On our blog:Â 'Why marriage law was in need of reform even before COVID-19'
POLICY BRIEFING: Recommendations for the reform of marriage law
Marriage law in England and Wales is a historical relic which reflects a bygone age.
Successive governments have made a series of progressive but ad hoc reforms, most notably the introduction of civil partnerships and same-sex marriage. However, this has resulted in a legal framework which is complex and controversial, especially in relation to religion.
This book provides the first accessible guide to how contemporary marriage law interacts with religion and identifies pressure points in relation to non-religious organisations and unregistered religious marriages. It reveals the need for the consolidation, modernisation and reform of marriage law and sets out proposals for how the transformation of these laws can be achieved.
Russell Sandberg is Professor of Law at Cardiff University.
1. Introduction: Marital Problems
Part 1: The Legal Framework
2. Religion and Opposite-Sex Marriage
3. Religion and Same-Sex Marriage
Part 2: The Road to Reform
4. Unregistered Religious Marriages
5. Non-Religious Marriages
6. The Law Commission’s Proposals
Part 3: Reform Proposals
7. Reforming Weddings Law
8. Reforming Validity and Criminal Offences
9. Reforming Cohabitation Rights
10. Conclusions: Relationship Solutions