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Written question asked by Tom Gordon (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 June 2026. It was answered by Calvin Bailey (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Military Bases: Religious Buildings

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of barriers to same-sex couples marrying in Armed Forces chapels; and whether his Department has investigated whether service personnel wishing to enter into same-sex marriages have been unable to do so in such chapels.

Answer

The Single Services have identified that the main barrier to same-sex couples marrying in Armed Forces chapels is the length of the process required to register such chapels for same-sex marriage. We have streamlined the process as much as possible, but it is enshrined in Primary Legislation.

No applications for the marriage of same-sex couples in Armed Forces chapels have been refused, but a number of applications have been withdrawn by the applicants themselves.

All Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force chapels are eligible for registration for same-sex marriage, expect those consecrated according to the rites of the Church of England. Before a chapel can be registered for same sex marriage, a same sex couple must request to be married in that chapel. One Royal Navy chapel (St Barbara’s Church, HMS Excellent) and one Army chapel (St Barbara’s Garrison Church, Chatham) are currently registered for same-sex marriages.

To date, one same-sex marriage has taken place at a Royal Navy chapel and fewer than five at an Army chapel. No same sex marriages have taken place in RAF chapels.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
12287
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Military bases Religious buildings LGBT+ people Weddings
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk