A CELEBRANT has spoken out about why she supports a High Court case for legal recognition of humanist marriages.
On Tuesday, July 7, six couples will launch a landmark High Court challenge to make humanist weddings legally recognised in England and Wales.
The couples will argue they are being unlawfully discriminated against due to their beliefs.
Dawn Davies, of Prestatyn, is among the celebrants offering support to the couples.
Ms Davies, and her daughter Rebecca Roberts have been performing humanist ceremonies for several years under the name of ‘Humanist Ceremonies North Wales’. The mother and daughter team are accredited by Humanists UK.
Dawn Davies and Rebecca Roberts, both of Prestatyn, are celebrants accredited by Humanists UK. Picture: Kerry Roberts
Ms Davies, who worked in communications for 17 years at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) until she retired in 2017, said: "All the couples I have conducted weddings for locally have said that although they considered their humanist wedding as ‘their wedding day’, it is unfair that they have also had to undergo a civil marriage in order to legalise their marriage, when religious couples don’t.
"In the name of equality it is about time that the law in Wales and England is brought in line with Scotland and Northern Ireland to legally recognise Humanist weddings”.
A humanist wedding is a non-religious ceremony conducted by a humanist celebrant who shares the beliefs and values of the couple. These ceremonies are legally recognised in both Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The challenge is expected to be heard by Mrs Justice Eady at a remote hearing starting today (Tuesday).
At the hearing, lawyers for the couples are expected to argue that the current law is in breach of the claimants' rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Government is opposing the challenge.
Andrew Copson, Humanists UK Chief Executive, said: "Couples who have humanist weddings see that day as the epitome of their love and commitment to each other, and all they want is the same legal recognition for that as is given to every religious person in our country. We have tried for decades to address this glaring double standard.
"Government has dragged its heels and that’s why it’s been left to these couples to bring this case.
"As more and more non-religious couples choose to have humanist weddings, we need a law that works for all people who want to marry and we hope this case will lead to reform."
The hearing is expected to last two days.
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