Government consultation on gay marriage

The Government will hold a full consultation on the issue of gay marriage in March. I look forward to the consultation when a reasoned debate can take place regarding gay marriage.

I respect and support the settlement that has been reached in recent years regarding Civil Partnerships and do not consider that the case has been made for a change in the law. I recognise that there are strong opinions for and against the proposal of marriage and I hope the debate can be conducted with respect without resort to abuse and prejudice. I do not see the need for gay marriage to be enshrined in legislation which I see more in terms of a redefinition of marriage than an issue of homosexual rights. In my view Civil Partnerships has already made great strides for homosexual rights which mean the case still needs to be made for Parliament to now legislate.

I hold this view, which is an issue of conscience and the subject of a free vote, that if you change the shape of marriage away from being a union of a man and woman you change its purpose. Colleagues on all sides of Parliament will agree and disagree and we need to ensure that there is an open debate which does not descend to prejudice and abuse.

I do not see the need for legislation to recognise gay marriage but it does not at all follow that I am anti gay and homophobic. I welcome and await the debate in March but also recognise that there are more pressing issues of concern facing my constituents and the country. For example today I was pleased to lead an important debate about how we care for the dying and support good quality palliative care.