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06/02/2013
Commons Backs Gay Marriage
Gay rights activists have a cause for celebration following the backing in the Commons of a Bill to introduce marriage equality for gay couples in England and Wales.
Prime Minister David Cameron called the move "an important step forward" and Labour leader Ed Miliband said it was a "proud day".
MPs voted in favour of the Bill by 400 to 175; a majority of 225.
136 Tory MPs opposed the bill after MPs were given a free vote, independent of party whips.
The vote means the Bill has been approved at second reading and is an agreement in principle that it should become law.
Gay couples are currently able to engage in civil partnerships, but will now be allowed to engage in both civil and religious ceremonies to marry.
136 Conservatives opposed the bill, including Environment Secretary Owen Paterson and Welsh Secretary David Jones.
127 were in favour, 35 did not vote and five registered an abstention by voting both in favour and against.
The majority of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs voted in favour of the Bill.
Just two of the 13 Northern Ireland MPs voted in favour of the Bill; the SDLP's Mark Durkan (Foyle) and east Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long.
It was opposed by DUP MPs Gregory Campbell, Nigel Dodds, Jeffrey Donaldson, Rev William McCrea, Ian Paisley Junior, Jim Shannon, David Simpson, Sammy Wilson and independent MP Lady Sylvia Hermon.
David Cameron’s support for the Bill will be seen as an attempt to modernise the Conservative Party, while many are arguing the move was a cynical attempt to curry favour with voters ahead of the General Election in 2015.
(IT/GK)
Prime Minister David Cameron called the move "an important step forward" and Labour leader Ed Miliband said it was a "proud day".
MPs voted in favour of the Bill by 400 to 175; a majority of 225.
136 Tory MPs opposed the bill after MPs were given a free vote, independent of party whips.
The vote means the Bill has been approved at second reading and is an agreement in principle that it should become law.
Gay couples are currently able to engage in civil partnerships, but will now be allowed to engage in both civil and religious ceremonies to marry.
136 Conservatives opposed the bill, including Environment Secretary Owen Paterson and Welsh Secretary David Jones.
127 were in favour, 35 did not vote and five registered an abstention by voting both in favour and against.
The majority of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs voted in favour of the Bill.
Just two of the 13 Northern Ireland MPs voted in favour of the Bill; the SDLP's Mark Durkan (Foyle) and east Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long.
It was opposed by DUP MPs Gregory Campbell, Nigel Dodds, Jeffrey Donaldson, Rev William McCrea, Ian Paisley Junior, Jim Shannon, David Simpson, Sammy Wilson and independent MP Lady Sylvia Hermon.
David Cameron’s support for the Bill will be seen as an attempt to modernise the Conservative Party, while many are arguing the move was a cynical attempt to curry favour with voters ahead of the General Election in 2015.
(IT/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
