England and Wales became the 16th and 17th countries in the world to recognize gay marriage after Queen Elizabeth II gave “royal assent” to a same-sex marriage bill.

Under the new law, gay men and women will be able to join together in civil ceremonies or in church services — although no religious denomination will be forced to carry out such services.

Cheers, laughter and clapping broke out in the House of Commons when Speaker John Bercow announced the bill had been approved.

“The fact that the bill passed through both Houses (Commons and Lords) undefeated is a huge accomplishment for the government,” said Equalities Minister Maria Miller. “This is an historic moment that will resonate in many people’s lives. I am proud that we have made it happen and I look forward to the first same sex wedding by next summer. The title of this bill might be ‘marriage’ but its fabric is about freedom and respect.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg told supporters the new law would ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people felt “recognized and valued and no longer excluded.”

The bill’s passage saw many angry exchanges. It had the full support of Prime Minister David Cameron, despite the consternation of many in his own Conservative Party. The leaders of two other main parties, the Liberal Democrats and New Labour, also backed it. But some political commentators predict Cameron’s gay-friendly attitudes will cost him at the next election in 2015.

【新闻快讯】继英国议会16日通过在英格兰和威尔士允许同性恋结婚的法案后，英国女王伊丽莎白二世于次日“御准”该法案。这表明该法案得到王室许可成为法律，同性恋伴侣最早可于2014年在上述两地结婚。

英议会下院议长约翰・伯考17日表示，同性婚姻在英格兰和威尔士已合法化，为法律所保障。

英女王伊丽莎白二世的批准意味着上述两地的同性伴侣有望最早在2014年夏季举行婚礼。不过，英国宗教组织和机构仍将有权决定是否为同性恋者主持婚礼。

英国议会下院16日通过了由上院提议的同性婚姻法案。而同性恋权益者早在15日夜间就开始欢呼雀跃，因为英国政府此前表明支持法案。这是继美国加利福利亚同性恋法案通过后，同性恋维权战的又一场大胜。

本文来源：沪江英语