Cable Forum - Number 10 'Blocking humanist marriages'

Well another nice reminder that we're all equal but some are more equal than others.

As a swift reminder of why, even if you are religious, humanist marriages are a good idea:

Quote:

In Scotland, where humanist weddings have been legal since 2005, there has been an increase in the number of people getting married, against a general decline in the UK as a whole. Humanist weddings now account for 10 per cent of all Scottish marriages, making it the third most popular form of marriage in Scotland.

Independent

Sunday Times (Paywall)

To put into context how ridiculous this is persons can be married at Scientology premises, and the necessary legal framework already exists in the UK to allow for legally binding humanist ceremonies anywhere, it simply requires the addition of humanism to an existing historical exemption.

For those who are indifferent to this, please do note the following:

Quote:

Government sources, however, said Downing Street was blocking the idea because reform is seen by Lynton Crosby, David Cameron’s election guru, as a “fringe” issue.

Yep - if it's not a Tory election priority it appears that government has now shut down, and hence, with the election 6 months away, 10% of this parliament will be spent on nothing other than what is electorally expedient and considered by the Conservatives' election advisor as not being 'fringe'.

Perhaps with this in mind we can stop paying rent on Central London flats for 600-odd MPs for the next 6 months. Should save the taxpayer a 7 figure sum.

The Government was dragged kicking and screaming into a consultation, the consultation was enthusiastic with its approval as it's an uncontroversial policy with demonstrable upsides for society and the economy going by Scotland's experience, it has cross-party support, but is it seems going to be obstructed.

The Conservatives seem unable to even stick to their own 'Families Test':

Quote:

This is in spite of the Government having introduced what is known as the Families Test earlier this year, a pledge to ensure that all new policies support strong and stable families. Campaigners say few policies meet this test as well as humanist marriage.

This would be a popular, harmless, quick win. The Government already has the legislative power to do it, it was introduced in the 2013 Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act.

I'll make a point of raising a glass to David Cameron and Lynton Crosby next week after the registry office visit I shouldn't be having to make.

Labour support this, as do the Liberal Democrats. While I have a whole bunch of disdain for other policies of Labour I believe that, alongside my local MP being amazing, this has decided which way my vote is going in 2015, and I am encouraging the BHA to ram this 'fringe issue' firmly down David Cameron's throat.

EDIT: Ah no need. Work is in progress. All being well once the BHA supporters in the public eye start spreading the word this should backfire quite horribly.