UK considering letting gay couples include religious elements in civil partnership ceremonies

UK considers religious gay union ceremonies

LONDON — Britain’s government is considering letting same-sex couples include religious elements in civil partnership ceremonies.

Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone says the government’s review of gay equality rights will consider allowing homosexual couples to include hymn singing and religious readings in their union ceremonies.

Parliament recently removed the ban on same-sex unions in churches and other places of worship.

The move has already run into opposition from some in the Church of England.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper on Saturday quoted Michael Langrish, the Bishop of Exeter, as saying in a statement that the church will not allow any civil partnership registrations in its buildings.