Same-sex marriage is 'a step closer to reality'

The approved proposals, led by Employment & Social Security minister Michelle Le Clerc, should see the legislation in place by the middle of next year.

As deputies backed the move, many spoke of the great strides that had been made by the island and the States to get to this stage.

Deputy Peter Roffey was among those who said he was proud to be part of a States which was helping to deliver on the landmark decision, which was made last term, to make marriage equality reality.

Praise was also given by Deputy Matt Fallaize to Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq in the role he had played as chief minister in setting up a working party and pushing this agenda.

This was echoed by vice chair of equality charity Liberate, Ellie Jones, who said they were very happy with the result.

'We are really, really, really pleased that it all went through so smoothly. We were all a bit panicky beforehand, but I guess that was to be expected after all the time we have spent working on this.

'It's the result of a huge amount of hard work paying off, and we are very thankful to people like Jonathan Le Tocq, who were instrumental to the result,' she said.