The Labour Government is considering allowing unions between same-sex partners to take place in religious premises. The use of such premises, and even religious language, has been banned since same-sex civil partnerships were introduced in 2005.

The government's stance follows a proposed amendment to the Equality Bill to allow religious civil partnerships. Labour peer, Waheed Alli, said he'd would withdraw the amendment based on the government's assurances.

A number of religious bodies have expressed support for the move including the Quakers, the Metropolitan Community Churches, the Unitarians and Liberal Judaism.

Political commentators say that it's unlikely the law would be changed before the next General Election.