World Briefs: Mandela battling lung infection, chronic ailment

Equalities Minister Maria Miller said the legislation would authorize same-sex civil marriages, as well as religious ceremonies if religions decide to “opt in.”

Some religious groups, such as Quakers and liberal Jews, say they want to conduct same-sex ceremonies.

But others, including the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, oppose gay marriage, and the government is seeking to reassure them that they will not be forced to take part.

Ms. Miller said the legislation would make it unlawful for the Church of England — the country's official church, symbolically headed by Queen Elizabeth II — and the Anglican Church in Wales to conduct gay weddings.

It also will ensure that religious organizations or ministers who refuse to marry a same-sex couple can’t be sued for discrimination.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

Prime minister arrested in corruption case

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The top official in the Cayman Islands was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of theft, abuse of office and breach of trust in the famed Caribbean tax haven.

Prime Minister McKeeva Bush was arrested at his home Tuesday morning in the West Bay section of Grand Cayman Island by officers from the financial unit of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, a spokeswoman said.

Mr. Bush, 57, was detained “in connection with a number of ongoing police investigations,” the spokeswoman said.

The probes involve suspected theft related to misuse of a government credit card and breach of trust, abuse of office and conflict of interest for the alleged importation of unspecified explosive substances without valid permits.

Authorities in the British Caribbean territory did not provide details about the allegations.

Leonard Dilbert, the premier’s chief of staff, stressed that Mr. Bush will continue working as the three-island territory’s leader amid the ongoing probes.

BANGLADESH

Riots, explosions reported during opposition-led strike

Story Continues →