The new law means that people in same-sex relationships can enter into partnerships giving them similar rights to married couples.

The States passed the law on Tuesday which enables same-sex couples to formally register their partnerships. It could take another six months for the law to pass through the privy council but ceremonies may be able to proceed from the end of this year.

An amendment added earlier this month would allow religious buildings to host ceremonies if they wish. However, the Church of England has made it clear that it will not allow civil partnership ceremonies in its buildings.

Gay Treasury minister Senator Philip Ozouf does not believe that gay marriage is necessary and that civil partnerships fulfil the needs of the gay and lesbian community in Jersey. He told the BBC, I have always believed that the most important thing is to get the legislation in, in order to put in place the civil partnership arrangement which is not the same as marriage but it is an absolute equivalent to marriage.”

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