wales

Queen Elizabeth II today signed same-sex marriage rights into law for citizens of England and Wales. The new law will go into effect next summer, according to multiple news outlets, and makes England the 16th country to enact marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples.

The law doesn't cover the entirety of the United Kingdom, however. Scotland and Northern Ireland, both part of the UK, continue to ban gay unions.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg released a statement today praising his country for its diversity and tolerance: