Jersey equal marriage paper published

Same sex couples could marry in Jersey by the end of 2017 under plans revealed by the Chief Minister.

Senator Ian Gorst said it was clear from responses to an island-wide consultation that marriage was important to people in Jersey.

He said: "Our aim is to uphold marriage for all couples, all families and for the wider community."

States members will be able to vote on a law change at some point before the end of 2017.

Senator Gorst said: "Although many have strongly-held contrasting views on whether marriage should evolve to include same-sex couples, they nevertheless agree on its importance."

He said they would be bringing forward same-sex marriage legislation and looking at what the States of Jersey should do to support marriage and families generally.