Island of 2,000 People Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

One small island has succeeded where most countries struggle.

Alderney, population 2,000, has just voted to pass same-sex marriage. The island is a British Crown dependency and is located in the English Channel.

"There are people who wish to take immediate advantage of this law when it comes into force and I wish them the best for the future," said Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee James Dent according to ITV. "They will make a piece of history."

Nine politicians voted to pass the proposal, with one member abstaining. The politician who abstained, Vice President of the States of Alderney Ian Tugby, originally intended to vote in favor of the ban but had a change of heart after being contacted by so many people concerned with the message it would send towards children.

The bill will next go to Queen Elizabeth II to sign into law.

ITV also spoke with Dits Preece and Alan Jones, a gay couple that only wants to get married on Alderney. They have been together for the last 15 years.

"All we have wanted is to be able to do what everyone else on Alderney is able to do - get married, and invite all our friends to our wedding."