With couples wanting more flexibility as to where and how they can marry or register their partnership, Interior Minister Taina Bofferding and Justice Minister Sam Tanson presented a modernised bill to allow more room for different forms of celebration.

Marriages or civil partnerships would be possible in places other than the town hall.

"We want to give couples more flexibility in celebrating the most beautiful day of their lives. The municipalities will be able to decide on new venues for this ceremony in the future. This way, we are responding not only to the wishes of the people, but also of the communes that wish for more flexibility for the benefit of their residents. This project concerns everyone, and everyone will benefit from it," said Bofferding.

In future, a municipal council may, in addition to the town hall, determine one or more places where marriages or partnerships can take place. It must, however, still meet a number of criteria: It must belong to the municipality, the state or a public institution, be located on the territory of the respective municipality, service a public purpose and allow for the state registrar to perform his or her duties appropriately. They location must also have a "neutral character", excluding any place of worship, politics, social or other ideology that is contrary to the fundamental values of a democratic society, the bill reads.

In future, for example, historical monuments, cultural centres or festive halls, castles accessible to the public or city parks can be used.

Sam Tanson welcomes this modernisation: "This openness regarding the organisation of civil ceremonies reflects the openness of our society to consider all the unions between two partners. The celebration of this civil union in a larger public place or in a place that pleases both partners meets the societal expectations of the 21st century."

In addition, mayors would have an easier task of transferring the role of the state registrar to another municipal council member, adding a more personal note as more spouses or life partners request that their partnership may be completed with a councilor they have a friendly relationship with.

More information about the bill can be found online at: https://gd.lu/4bPKfp