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During its annual meeting, the Quaker movement is discussing whether or not to request legal authority to register civil partnerships in the same way as marriages.

Taking place from July 25th to August 1st in New York, the event will also see the religious movement assess whether or not to revise the book of Christian discipline of the Religious Society of Friends to include equal treatment of marriage and other committed partnerships.

Speaking on behalf of Quakers in Britain, Michael Hutchinson said the organisation recognises that many homosexual people play a full part in the Quaker group.

He added: "Many of our meetings have told us that there are homosexual couples who consider themselves to be married and believe this is as much a testimony of divine grace as a heterosexual marriage."

Mr Hutchinson went on to say that he hopes the Quakers' discussions will help the organisation to move forward in exploring the true meaning of equality.

Civil partnerships enable same-sex couples to receive legal recognition of their relationship, providing them with equal treatment with married couples in areas such as tax, employment and income-related benefits.

28/07/2009 16:41