Bromsgrove's MP votes in favour of same sex marriage (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Bromsgrove's MP votes in favour of same sex marriage

2:02pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News

BROMSGROVE’S MP voted in favour of the Government’s same sex marriage bill when it was put before the House of Commons.

MPs voted in favour of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill by a margin of 400 to 175, with a majority of 225, on February 5.

But more Tory MPs voted against the bill than in favour, 136 to 126, with 41 abstentions.

MPs were given a free vote on the bill, which meant party whips did not order them to vote a particular way.

Sajid Javid, Bromsgrove’s Conservative MP, said: “I understand that this (gay marriage) is a contentious issue, with passionate arguments on both sides.

“I agree with the Prime Minister that if a couple love each other and want to commit to a life together, then they should have the option of a civil marriage.

“What has been vitally important to me throughout this debate, however, is that there is no question of churches, or any other religious institution, being forced to host same-sex marriage or indeed civil partnerships.

“Freedom of religious belief is as important to me as equality for all.”

Although the bill was supported at second reading stage, it now faces further parliamentary scrutiny and political commentators are predicting it will receive substantial opposition when it arrives in the House of Lords.

If the bill becomes law same-sex couples, currently able to enter civil partnerships, will be allowed to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies.

The consent of a religious institution would be needed though, before any religious ceremony could be held.