Unitarians are delighted with the 2011 amendments to the long overdue Civil Partnership law, which not only permits such partnerships but allows them to take place in places of religious worship. Since the change in the law Belper Unitarian Chapel has successfully applied for licence to conduct Civil Partnership ceremonies and the first such was held, followed by a Blessing service, on 17 August 2013.

For decades Unitarians have championed gay and lesbian rights and our diverse community has been greatly enriched by our gay and lesbian ministers and members.

For many years Unitarian ministers have celebrated blessings for same-sex couples. These ceremonies are individually arranged to reflect the beliefs and aspirations of the couple.

If you and your partner would like a spiritual but dogma-free ceremony to bless your Civil Union in Belper chapel, or at a venue of your choice, or indeed would like both the Civil Partnership ceremony and a Blessing to take place at the Chapel, or would simply like to talk over the options, please feel free to make contact. There is no obligation and you will not be pressured.

Unitarians have also recently been at the forefront of the campaign for full marriage equality – see reports on the General Assembly webpages