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The Isle of Man has become the latest country to approve same-sex marriage.

The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Amendment) Bill had its third reading in the Legislative Council, where six members voted in favour of the bill and three against.

It’s a landmark step for gay couples, who’ve been allowed to enter civil partnerships since 2011.

The Manx Rainbow Association said the changes show the Isle of Man is “shaking off its dark past”.

Homosexuality was illegal under Isle of Man law until 1992. The age of consent was set at 21 but has since been lowered to 16.

The Act, introduced in England and Wales in 2014, enables couples to marry in a civil ceremony or subject to agreement, in a religious ceremony. The legislation will be enshrined in Manx law, pending royal assent.

The move follows the launch of a public consultation last year which attracted 176 responses.

Of those, 76 people were opposed to the changes, 90 were in support, while 10 were neutral.

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