Jersey meeting over equal marriage study

Politicians debated the introduction of same sex marriage on Tuesday

Jersey's chief minister has organised a meeting with the equality group Liberate, days after a debate on legalising same sex marriage was delayed.

Senator Ian Gorst will use the meeting as part of his consultation on the impact of changing the law.

Earlier this week, the States voted 24 to 18 in favour of delaying the debate.

Senator Gorst said if re-elected he would bring his findings back to the States in October.

'Fundamental freedoms'

Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand, who lodged the amendment, said same sex marriage could have "unintended consequences".

He called for a review of the introduction of same sex marriage before a decision was made by politicians.

Martin Gavet, from Liberate, said he wanted Senator Gorst to understand how the gay community felt.

He said: "We are not sure what he is going to ask us but what we plan to do is give a short presentation on what it is like to be [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender] in the Channel Islands and denied the basic fundamental freedoms and equalities afforded to other members of our society.

"The chief minister has told us he is committed to equality for all and we hope the assembly backs this up."

Senator Gorst was one of the 24 members to vote in favour of a delay.

The island's first pride rally has been organised by political party Reform Jersey who brought the original proposition for same sex marriage.