This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21178387

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Gay marriage: MPs to vote on proposals for the first time Gay marriage: MPs set to vote on proposals for the first time
(about 1 hour later)
MPs will get their first chance to vote on plans to allow same-sex marriages in England and Wales next month. MPs are set to get their first chance to vote on plans to allow same-sex marriages in England and Wales.
The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill will be debated in Parliament on Tuesday 5 February, the leader of the Commons Andrew Lansley has announced.The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill will be debated in Parliament on Tuesday 5 February, the leader of the Commons Andrew Lansley has announced.
The legislation will allow all religious organisations which want to, to offer gay marriage apart from the Church of England and Church in Wales. The bill will allow same-sex marriage and let religious organisations which want to, to offer them, the culture department says.
The plans have divided the Conservative Party - its MPs will get a free vote.The plans have divided the Conservative Party - its MPs will get a free vote.
Labour and the Lib Dems back the proposals to legalise gay marriage, but Labour said the exemption for the established Church was "disappointing". Labour and the Lib Dems back the proposals to legalise same-sex marriage, but Labour said the exemption for the established Church was "disappointing".
'Quadruple lock'
The Church of England and Roman Catholics, among other denominations, have voiced opposition to the plans and are expected to oppose the bill, even with its caveats.The Church of England and Roman Catholics, among other denominations, have voiced opposition to the plans and are expected to oppose the bill, even with its caveats.
But some religious groups, including Quakers, Unitarians and Liberal Judaism, are in favour.But some religious groups, including Quakers, Unitarians and Liberal Judaism, are in favour.
Culture Secretary Maria Miller told the Commons in December that no religious organisation "will ever be forced to conduct marriages for same-sex couples".Culture Secretary Maria Miller told the Commons in December that no religious organisation "will ever be forced to conduct marriages for same-sex couples".
She said the legislation - which will published on Friday ahead of the bill's second reading four days later - would include a "quadruple lock" to protect religious freedom. She said the legislation - which will published on Friday ahead of the bill's second reading - would include a "quadruple lock" to protect religious freedom.
Faith schoolsFaith schools
Mrs Miller said that the bill exclude the Church of England and Church in Wales to avoid a clash between Canon Law - which defines marriage as that between a man and a woman - and UK civil law. The bill is set to specifically exclude the Church of England and Church in Wales to avoid a clash between Canon Law - which defines marriage as that between a man and a woman - and UK civil law.
But, she said, if the Church of England was to want to opt-in to offering same sex marriages it could. However that would require further legislation. But a spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said that if the Church of England did want to opt-in to offering same-sex marriages it could, saying a process for doing so was to be set out in the bill.
A public consultation on plans for same-sex marriage received 228,000 submissions.A public consultation on plans for same-sex marriage received 228,000 submissions.
In its response to the consultation the government says it has no plans to change the definition of adultery or non-consummation of a marriage - which means neither could be cited as grounds for divorce in a same-sex marriage, unless the adultery was with someone of the opposite sex.In its response to the consultation the government says it has no plans to change the definition of adultery or non-consummation of a marriage - which means neither could be cited as grounds for divorce in a same-sex marriage, unless the adultery was with someone of the opposite sex.
They also dismiss the fear that the terms "husband" and "wife" could be removed as a result of same sex marriages.They also dismiss the fear that the terms "husband" and "wife" could be removed as a result of same sex marriages.
They also say that teachers "particularly in faith schools will be able to continue to describe their belief that marriage is between a man and woman whilst acknowledging and acting within the new legislative position which enables same sex-couples to get married".They also say that teachers "particularly in faith schools will be able to continue to describe their belief that marriage is between a man and woman whilst acknowledging and acting within the new legislative position which enables same sex-couples to get married".
The Scottish Government has published proposed legislation of its own to introduce gay marriage.The Scottish Government has published proposed legislation of its own to introduce gay marriage.
Under the plans, religious and faith groups would need to "opt in" to perform same-sex marriages.Under the plans, religious and faith groups would need to "opt in" to perform same-sex marriages.