Chief minister sets record over delay
The chief minister says he's disappointed at recent confusion over the status of the same sex marriage bill.
Allan Bell was speaking amid claims royal assent for the bill had been delayed after outspoken critic free Methodist preacher Peter Murcott wrote to the UK Ministry of Justice.
As a result it's expected assent will be granted by the Privy Council rather than by the Island's Lieutenant Governor.
Mr Bell has confirmed all hurdles should be passed in time for Tynwald to sign-off the bill later this month, to become effective from July 22.
The chief minister says the delay has nothing to do with Mr Murcott - but everything to do with the EU referendum in the UK:
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