07/12/2012

Cameron Wants Gay Marriage In Churches

David Cameron wants churches in England and Wales to be allowed to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies.

The Prime Minister said he did not want gay people to be "excluded from a great institution", but would not force religious groups to carry out the ceremonies.

In the ongoing debate ministers are expected to response to a consultation next week.

MPs will be given a free vote on the issue.

The move has angered some Tory MPs who have opposed the change in the law.

Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, warned there will be "outrage throughout the country" and a "clear backlash" against David Cameron's proposals.

The move is likely to get through the House of Commons, as it supported by most Labour, Lib Dem and Conservative MPs, but Mr Blackman predicted it could face "an interesting challenge" in the House of Lords.

Mr Cameron said: "I'm a massive supporter of marriage and I don't want gay people to be excluded from a great institution.

"But let me be absolutely 100% clear: if there is any church or any synagogue or any mosque that doesn't want to have a gay marriage it will not, absolutely must not, be forced to hold it.

"That is absolutely clear in the legislation.

"Also let me make clear, this is a free vote for Members of Parliament, but personally I will be supporting it."

(H)


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