Menu
05/02/2013
Gay Marriage Bill Support Urged
The Tory party is set to split later over David Cameron's plans to allow gay marriage.
The controversial Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill will take place later. Three most senior Tories in the Cabinet William Hague, George Osborne and Theresa May have urged in an open letter that it "is the right thing to do at the right time". However 100 Conservative MPs are expected to give a no vote.
The PM hasn't got a lot of political capital left in the bank.
Stewart Jackson, a Conservative MP who opposes the gay marriage bill, told Reuters. "There is only so much the Conservative party is going to take. He has to deliver some authentic Conservative policies very soon."
In Tuesday's joint letter, the chancellor, foreign secretary and home secretary wrote: "Marriage has evolved over time. We believe that opening it up to same-sex couples will strengthen, not weaken, the institution.
"As David Cameron has said, we should support gay marriage not in spite of being Conservatives, but because we are Conservatives."
The letter added: "Attitudes towards gay people have changed. A substantial majority of the public now favour allowing same-sex couples to marry, and support has increased rapidly. This is the right thing to do at the right time.
"We will be among the Conservative MPs voting for this bill today."
(GK)
The controversial Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill will take place later. Three most senior Tories in the Cabinet William Hague, George Osborne and Theresa May have urged in an open letter that it "is the right thing to do at the right time". However 100 Conservative MPs are expected to give a no vote.
The PM hasn't got a lot of political capital left in the bank.
Stewart Jackson, a Conservative MP who opposes the gay marriage bill, told Reuters. "There is only so much the Conservative party is going to take. He has to deliver some authentic Conservative policies very soon."
In Tuesday's joint letter, the chancellor, foreign secretary and home secretary wrote: "Marriage has evolved over time. We believe that opening it up to same-sex couples will strengthen, not weaken, the institution.
"As David Cameron has said, we should support gay marriage not in spite of being Conservatives, but because we are Conservatives."
The letter added: "Attitudes towards gay people have changed. A substantial majority of the public now favour allowing same-sex couples to marry, and support has increased rapidly. This is the right thing to do at the right time.
"We will be among the Conservative MPs voting for this bill today."
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 December 2012
CofE Gay Marriage Outlawed
Performing gay marriage ceremonies in the Church of England and Church in Wales is to be banned, the government has announced. The move comes as a result of new 'opt-in' laws which will allow some religious institutions to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.
CofE Gay Marriage Outlawed
Performing gay marriage ceremonies in the Church of England and Church in Wales is to be banned, the government has announced. The move comes as a result of new 'opt-in' laws which will allow some religious institutions to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.
12 June 2012
Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
12 December 2012
Scotland Gay Marriage Consultation Begins
A consultation has begun today on a draft bill to introduce gay marriage in Scotland. The plans have received cross party support in the Scottish Parliament. The consultation will investigate views on the legislation.
Scotland Gay Marriage Consultation Begins
A consultation has begun today on a draft bill to introduce gay marriage in Scotland. The plans have received cross party support in the Scottish Parliament. The consultation will investigate views on the legislation.
05 March 2012
Senior Catholic Attacks Governent's Gay Marriage Plan
The most senior Catholic in the UK has called the government’s plans for gay marriage a "grotesque subversion of a universally accepted human right". Cardinal Keith O’Brien has accused the coalition of trying to “redefine reality”. "Since all the legal rights of marriage are already available to homosexual couples,” he said.
Senior Catholic Attacks Governent's Gay Marriage Plan
The most senior Catholic in the UK has called the government’s plans for gay marriage a "grotesque subversion of a universally accepted human right". Cardinal Keith O’Brien has accused the coalition of trying to “redefine reality”. "Since all the legal rights of marriage are already available to homosexual couples,” he said.
13 March 2014
Gay Marriage To Become Legal On 29 March
Registration will open on Thursday for first same-sex couplesin England and Wales who want to hold weddings on the day gay marriage becomes legal, 29th March. Gay couples who got married overseas will also be legally recognised from Thursday.
Gay Marriage To Become Legal On 29 March
Registration will open on Thursday for first same-sex couplesin England and Wales who want to hold weddings on the day gay marriage becomes legal, 29th March. Gay couples who got married overseas will also be legally recognised from Thursday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
