The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020

Solemnisation of religious marriages

9.—(1) The Marriage Order is amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3).

(2) In Article 15 (solemnisation of religious marriage), after paragraph (2) insert—

“(3) A person registered under Article 11—

(a) must not solemnise a marriage of parties who are not of the same sex unless registered under Article 11 for marriages of parties who are not of the same sex, and

(b) must not solemnise a marriage of parties who are of the same sex unless registered under Article 11 for marriages of parties who are of the same sex.

(4) A person authorised under Article 14(1)(a) must not solemnise a marriage unless the marriage is specified in the authorisation.

(5) A person authorised under Article 14(1)(b)—

(a) must not solemnise a marriage of parties who are not of the same sex unless authorised under Article 14(1)(b) to solemnise marriages of parties who are not of the same sex, and

(b) must not solemnise a marriage of parties who are of the same sex unless authorised under Article 14(1)(b) to solemnise marriages of parties who are of the same sex.”.

(3) In Article 7—

(a) in paragraph (3) (religious marriage may be solemnised only in accordance with marriage schedule, but subject to paragraphs (4) to (6)), for “(6)” substitute “(7)”, and

(b) after paragraph (6) insert—

“(7) Paragraph (3), and regulations under paragraph (5) or (6), have effect subject to Article 15(3) to (5).”.

(4) In regulation 6(4) of the Marriage Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003(1) (officiant acting in place of officiant named in marriage schedule), after “may” insert “(subject to Article 15(3) to (5) of the Order)”.

(1)

S.R. 2003/468. Regulation 6 was amended by S.I. 2015/395.