Your article on the reform of marriage regulations (Your sand in marriage: plans to relax wedding rules in England and Wales, 19 July) is silent on legal recognition for humanist ceremonies, yet the Law Commission report came about only as the last of several delaying tactics by the government, starting in 2013, when parliament was on the verge of legislating. First it had a consultation (96% in favour), then a scoping report by the commission, then three years doing nothing and another three years for this definitive report.
Wedding law is in a mess and needs reform, but this offers the government yet more opportunity for delay. A year is allowed for its response, with further consultation and maybe a complex draft bill before the parliamentary process, so it could be five or more years before any reform is enacted – if it ever is.
Scotland recognised humanist weddings as a human right 17 years ago. It was followed by Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Two years ago, the high court found our current law discriminatory. In 2013, parliament gave the government power to recognise humanist marriages merely by laying an order. It should do so immediately.
David Pollock
Stoke Newington, London
