In the UK public broadcasting  had always been subject to a great deal of regulations which have gradually  been whittled away.  Some however have made a lasting impression such as the rule about religious broadcasting.

Up until 1972 the government had insisted that television broadcasting on Sunday evenings from 6:15 pm-7:25 pm was  only for religious programming on the existing two Channels. It was during this time that  BBC TV created  ‘Songs of Praise ‘which is  still running today.

It became a must-see programme for mainly middle-class conservative   England who were slowly weaning off attending Sunday evening Church services.  At its height of popularity 20% of the entire country tuned in each week.  Even though over the years the format has changed so that the program is not always filmed in Churches, it is still aimed at the dwindling hardcore christian community of the UK.

It has tried many things in the past to reflect the changing nature of society, none more forward-thinking  than the recent decision to include the same sex wedding of Jamie Wallace and Ian McDowell at Glasgow’s Rutherglen United Reformed Church, one of the few churches in the UK to welcome same-sex marriages.

It marked the very first time that Songs of Praise has acknowledged marriage equality in its 58-year history, stirring emotions for both religious and non-religious viewers.

Although marriage equality was introduced to England and Wales in 2013, (and to Scotland in 2014.) same-sex marriages are still only welcomed by a handful of denominations in the UK . Despite pressure from clergy groups and support from Anglicans, the ultra-conservative Church of England still remains opposed to marriage equality.

This very public support by the BBC then is one more step forward in the continuing journey of acceptance for our community.