Published
Jul 1, 2021Page count
128 pagesISBN
978-1529212808Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 1, 2021Page count
128 pagesISBN
978-1529212815Imprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 1, 2021Page count
128 pagesISBN
978-1529212815Imprint
Bristol University Press
Religion and Marriage Law
In the media
POLICY BRIEFING: Religion and Marriage Law - The Need for Reform
On our blog: '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’s work in drawing together the law relating to marriage and setting it in a religious context is important, welcome and most timely.” The Rt Hon Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division.
"A judicious, but also radical look at British marriage law which has struggled to keep up with increasing social and religious diversity. Handled with exemplary scholarly intelligence, this book suggests where more clarity and equity might be implemented." Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury
“…the book provides an invaluable and informative assessment of the legal regulation of adult intimate relationships in England and Wales, and of the reform proposals introduced to address this ‘antiquated’ area of law.” What I Wish I Knew About Law School
“This book should be congratulated for providing comprehensible and clear analysis for this complex and often misunderstood legal subject… [It] truly captures the essence of the need for reform.” What I Wish I Knew About Law School
“[Sandberg] adroitly surfs the wave created by the Law Commission’s current programme of reform… his case for reform is powerful and compelling.” Church Times
“Sandberg is to be praised for [this] contribution to an important topic.” Law Society Gazette
“Of considerable use to policy-makers and of significant interest to those seeking to understand the debates, problems and complexities surrounding this area of law reform. It is clear and accessible and provides much food for thought.” Ecclesiastical Law Journal
“Not only is Sandberg’s contribution very timely but it is also refreshing in its preoccupation not with one or two proposals but a combination of complementary measures to provide a comprehensive solution to a long-standing problem with marriage laws in Britain.” Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs
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
