The discernment of Yearly Meeting in 2009 was that love and truth compel Friends to solemnise the marriage of same-sex couples equally with opposite-sex couples.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 in England and Wales and Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 have enabled Quakers in these jurisdictions to follow the discernment of Yearly Meeting 2009 that the quality of the relationship of the couple is crucial, not whether they are opposite sex or same sex.

It is, therefore, expected that our registering officers, on appointment, understand that they will be required to officiate at all marriages authorised by that area meeting.