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Gay marriage bill returns to Commons | Gay marriage bill returns to Commons |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Plans to legalise same-sex marriage in England and Wales return to the Commons later, amid continuing opposition from some Conservative activists and MPs. | Plans to legalise same-sex marriage in England and Wales return to the Commons later, amid continuing opposition from some Conservative activists and MPs. |
The Marriage Bill was approved by a 225-vote majority when it was last debated by MPs in February, but nearly half of all Tories voted against it. | The Marriage Bill was approved by a 225-vote majority when it was last debated by MPs in February, but nearly half of all Tories voted against it. |
One of the amendments tabled for debate involves extending civil partnerships to heterosexual couples. | |
Government sources say if passed, this could delay the bill by two years. | |
David Cameron has said the bill would help build a stronger and fairer society, and the bill also has the backing of the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Labour Leader Ed Miliband. | |
The return of the plans to the Commons comes amid other divisions within the Conservative Party on Europe and attitudes towards the party's grassroots. | |
'Un-Conservative' | 'Un-Conservative' |
On Sunday, 34 current and former local party chairmen delivered a letter to Downing Street opposing the gay marriage policy as "flawed, un-Conservative, divisive and costing us dearly in votes and membership". | On Sunday, 34 current and former local party chairmen delivered a letter to Downing Street opposing the gay marriage policy as "flawed, un-Conservative, divisive and costing us dearly in votes and membership". |
They complained of a "crisis of conservatism" and said Europe, same-sex marriage and the "contempt" for party membership from the leadership were currently "destroying the party". | They complained of a "crisis of conservatism" and said Europe, same-sex marriage and the "contempt" for party membership from the leadership were currently "destroying the party". |
However, a separate letter, signed by more than 100 Tory activists, called on the party's MPs to back same-sex marriage legislation. | However, a separate letter, signed by more than 100 Tory activists, called on the party's MPs to back same-sex marriage legislation. |
They praised Mr Cameron for his stance, saying it was an issue of particular importance to younger voters, and MPs risked appearing out of touch if they pandered to a vocal minority. | They praised Mr Cameron for his stance, saying it was an issue of particular importance to younger voters, and MPs risked appearing out of touch if they pandered to a vocal minority. |
MPs get a free vote on the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill as it is considered an issue of conscience. | |
Two of those opposing it at its second reading in February were cabinet ministers - Environment Secretary Owen Paterson and Welsh Secretary David Jones. | |
Last week, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said too much time had been spent on a policy which had angered many. | Last week, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said too much time had been spent on a policy which had angered many. |
'Clear inequality' | 'Clear inequality' |
Among the Conservatives supporting the bill is the former Tory minister Nick Herbert, who is in a civil partnership. | Among the Conservatives supporting the bill is the former Tory minister Nick Herbert, who is in a civil partnership. |
He told the BBC that churches would be protected from having to hold same-sex weddings and the bill's "time has come" as attitudes had changed. | He told the BBC that churches would be protected from having to hold same-sex weddings and the bill's "time has come" as attitudes had changed. |
"No political party, I think, can survive unless it's in touch with the prevailing attitudes of the day," he said. | "No political party, I think, can survive unless it's in touch with the prevailing attitudes of the day," he said. |
MP Tim Loughton is among a group of Tories who will try to amend the bill, with a plan to extend civil partnerships to heterosexual couples. | MP Tim Loughton is among a group of Tories who will try to amend the bill, with a plan to extend civil partnerships to heterosexual couples. |
He said the amendment would address a "very clear inequality" of the bill that would mean heterosexual couples would "only have the choice of a marriage". | He said the amendment would address a "very clear inequality" of the bill that would mean heterosexual couples would "only have the choice of a marriage". |
Government sources suggested to the BBC the move would delay the bill by years and would be expensive for the taxpayer, as millions could gain new pension rights. | Government sources suggested to the BBC the move would delay the bill by years and would be expensive for the taxpayer, as millions could gain new pension rights. |
BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue said some in Westminster were saying the amendment was an attempt to "wreck the bill" because it could delay its passage beyond the general election. | |
He added opponents and supporters of gay marriage could both coalesce around the amendment - it is about equality but it is also a way of destroying the bill. | |
But Mr Loughton said: "Far from being a wrecking measure, some of the strongest support for my amendment to extend civil partnerships comes from the biggest supporters of same-sex marriage in the Labour and Lib Dem parties." | |
Labour's equalities team, led by shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper, is set to support Mr Loughton's amendment. | |
The party, whose support has guaranteed the bill's progress so far, accused the Tories of exaggerating the impact of changes to civil partnerships. | |
The bill will be debated over two days, with its third reading - the final hurdle in the Commons - on Tuesday. If approved, it will go to the House of Lords on Wednesday, where it is expected to face further opposition. | |
Under the bill, the Church of England and the Church in Wales would be banned from offering same-sex marriages because of their strongly stated opposition, unless they changed canon law. Other religious organisations would be able to "opt in" to holding ceremonies. | Under the bill, the Church of England and the Church in Wales would be banned from offering same-sex marriages because of their strongly stated opposition, unless they changed canon law. Other religious organisations would be able to "opt in" to holding ceremonies. |
There are currently no plans for similar legislation in Northern Ireland, but there are already plans for a bill to allow same-sex marriage in Scotland. | There are currently no plans for similar legislation in Northern Ireland, but there are already plans for a bill to allow same-sex marriage in Scotland. |