英國將於年3月起同性可以結婚啦

The first same-sex weddings in England and Wales will be able to take place from 29 March 2014, Equalities Minister Maria Miller says.

英國婦女與平等部長瑪麗亞·米勒稱，2014年3月29日以後，英格蘭和威爾士地區將可以舉辦首批同性婚禮。

Initially it was thought the first marriages would not take place until next summer.

此前人們以爲英國第一批同性婚禮要在明年夏季之後纔會舉行。

Couples wishing to be among the first to marry will need to give formal notice of their intention by 13 March.

希望第一批結婚的同性伴侶需要在3月13日前遞交正式申請。

It comes after the government's controversial legislation on the issue received Royal Assent in July.

今年7月，英國女王伊莉莎白二世同意同性婚姻合法化，這一舉措也引起了諸多爭議。

The Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat leaderships all backed the proposals.

英國保守黨、工黨和自由民主黨領袖都對同性婚姻合法化表示支持。

MPs approved the principle of same-sex marriage despite opposition from many Conservatives, which caused tensions in the party. Most Lib Dem and Labour MPs supported the move.

儘管許多保守黨人反對同性婚姻合法化，該黨國會議員還是通過了這一法案，這也導致了不少黨內紛爭。絕大多數的自由民主黨和工黨國會議員對合法化持贊成態度。

The Church of England, the Church in Wales and other faith groups stated their opposition.

英格蘭教廷、威爾士教廷等宗教組織對同性婚姻合法化表示反對。

Following the passing of the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act, the government has been able to put in place the necessary arrangements much faster than previously thought.

在通過了同性婚姻合法化的法案之後，政府才得以加快步伐，制定必要的相關措施。