(1)In the law of England and Wales, marriage has the same effect in relation to same sex couples as it has in relation to opposite sex couples.
(2)The law of England and Wales (including all England and Wales legislation whenever passed or made) has effect in accordance with subsection (1).
(3)Schedule 3 (interpretation of legislation) has effect.
(4)Schedule 4 (effect of extension of marriage: further provision) has effect.
(5)For provision about limitations on the effects of subsections (1) and (2) and Schedule 3, see Part 7 of Schedule 4.
(6)Subsections (1) and (2) and Schedule 3 do not have any effect in relation to—
(a)Measures and Canons of the Church of England (whenever passed or made),
(b)subordinate legislation (whenever made) made under a Measure or Canon of the Church of England, or
(c)other ecclesiastical law (whether or not contained in England and Wales legislation, and, if contained in England and Wales legislation, whenever passed or made).
(7)In Schedules 3 and 4—
“existing England and Wales legislation” means—
in the case of England and Wales legislation that is primary legislation, legislation passed before the end of the Session in which this Act is passed (excluding this Act), or
in the case of England and Wales legislation that is subordinate legislation, legislation made on or before the day on which this Act is passed (excluding legislation made under this Act);
“new England and Wales legislation” means—
in the case of England and Wales legislation that is primary legislation, legislation passed after the end of the Session in which this Act is passed, or
in the case of England and Wales legislation that is subordinate legislation, legislation made after the day on which this Act is passed.