MPs split over plans to bring in gay marriage

4:35pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News

EAST Lancashire MPs are split over Government plans to legalise gay marriage before voting on the issue tonight.

Burnley Liberal Democrat Gordon Birtwistle said he was strongly opposed, but Blackburn Labour MP Jack Straw has given the move his full support.

Hyndburn’s Graham Jones is set to vote in favour after a months of agonising on the issue.

Pendle Tory Andrew Stephenson will back the measure, but his Rossendale and Darwen colleague Jake Berry will vote against it.

Chorley’s Lindsay Hoyle and Ribble Valley’s Nigel Evans cannot express an opinion because as Deputy Speakers they will chair debates on The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill.

Mr Evans, who came out as gay in 2010, is understood to privately support it.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller said introducing same-sex marriage was ‘the right thing to do’ despite a rift in the Conservative Party over the plans.

Up to 120 Tory MPs, including some Cabinet Ministers, are likely to oppose the bill enabling same-sex couples to marry in civil and religious ceremonies in England and Wales.

The Church of England will be banned from offering same-sex marr-iages. Other religious organisations will be able to ‘opt in’.

Mr Birtwistle said: “I will vote against gay marriage. I don’t see why Parliament is getting involved. Marriage is between a man and a woman.”

Mr Straw said: “I shall be voting in favour of gay marriage because it is a way of contributing to the commitment of those who love each other. I cannot see how allowing marriage for gay couples can possibly affect straight couples who get married.”

Mr Stephenson said: “I support same sex marriage. I strongly favour equal treatment.”

Mr Berry said in December: “I will not be voting in favour of the bill. I am concerned the safeguards are inad-equate.”

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said: “I wish I did not have to vote. Having thought about this for five to six months I have come down in favour of equalisation.”

Bishop of Burnley and Acting Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev John Goddard said: “Many people of both sides of the argument believe this legislation is being pushed through in haste and without proper consultation. I support civil partnerships.”

Comments (6)

4:42pm Tue 5 Feb 13

cloud99 says...

People should be allowed to chose who they marry, not a be told who they can and can't marry by a bunch of hypocrites!
People should be allowed to chose who they marry, not a be told who they can and can't marry by a bunch of hypocrites! cloud99

6:19pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Wishingwell says...

The Government should promote long term stable relationships no matter what peoples sexuality. I would sooner live amongst gay married couples any day than people who go Doggin and meeting up in toilets.
The Government should promote long term stable relationships no matter what peoples sexuality. I would sooner live amongst gay married couples any day than people who go Doggin and meeting up in toilets. Wishingwell

8:29pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Miguel12 says...

Gay marriage, why not?. Does the church not preach love and monogamy, well in the New Testament anyway, in the Old Testament anything goes, including incest, ask Moses! Until the Church practices what it preaches who can take it seriously, why are members of the clergy accused of sexual indescretions, and there are many, never prosecuted?
This is not a political issue so politicians should butt out, if Gays want to marry and a minister of the Church is willing to perform the marriage ceremony then let it be so. The Church recognises gay priests and gay civil partnerships but not gay marriage, what's the difference?
Gay marriage, why not?. Does the church not preach love and monogamy, well in the New Testament anyway, in the Old Testament anything goes, including incest, ask Moses! Until the Church practices what it preaches who can take it seriously, why are members of the clergy accused of sexual indescretions, and there are many, never prosecuted? This is not a political issue so politicians should butt out, if Gays want to marry and a minister of the Church is willing to perform the marriage ceremony then let it be so. The Church recognises gay priests and gay civil partnerships but not gay marriage, what's the difference? Miguel12

8:49pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Good call says...

Another side issue to distract the sheeple.
Another side issue to distract the sheeple. Good call

9:06pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Excluded again says...

Gay people have been given the same rights as everyone else. Shock, horror, run for the hills! Or not. Most people will never notice any difference to their own lives but every now and then in your town a couple, their family and friends will have a happy day. That's all folks.
Gay people have been given the same rights as everyone else. Shock, horror, run for the hills! Or not. Most people will never notice any difference to their own lives but every now and then in your town a couple, their family and friends will have a happy day. That's all folks. Excluded again

10:53am Wed 6 Feb 13

Izanears says...

I am concerned that so much time has been spent on this matter when there are so many more important things to sort out, As goodcall says, it is merely another side issue to distract the sheeple!
I am concerned that so much time has been spent on this matter when there are so many more important things to sort out, As goodcall says, it is merely another side issue to distract the sheeple! Izanears

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