Interpretation of existing England and Wales legislation
This section has no associated Explanatory Notes
1(1)In existing England and Wales legislation—
(a)a reference to marriage is to be read as including a reference to marriage of a same sex couple;
(b)a reference to a married couple is to be read as including a reference to a married same sex couple; and
(c)a reference to a person who is married is to be read as including a reference to a person who is married to a person of the same sex.
(2)Where sub-paragraph (1) requires a reference to be read in a particular way, any related reference (such as a reference to a marriage that has ended, or a reference to a person whose marriage has ended) is to be read accordingly.
(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) it does not matter how a reference is expressed.