A public consultation is asking whether island residents agree with same sex marriage.

The goverment has published a consultation document on its website with a deadline for responses of November 13.

Chief Minister Allan Bell wants to see a bill introduced into the House of Keys as soon as possible and he's urging people to respond to the consultation.

Mr Bell says in his foreword to the document: 'I recognise that the proposed legislation to allow same sex couples to be married may generate strong and polarised views, with some organisations and individuals believing very strongly that marriage can only ever be between a man and a woman.

'However, the time is right for this legislation to be introduced. I believe that the values of fairness and tolerance are shared by the overwhelming majority of people in our Island and that allowing loving, committed couples of the same sex to be married in no wayundermines the institution of marriage.'


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