Gay marriage proposal causes debate among Tory’s

Equalities Minister Maria Miller supports same-sex marriages, with their being an exemption for CofE

15:35 12 December 2012

Following the recent controversy over having women Bishops, now comes the latest debate over religion. Equalities Minister Maria Miller is calling for plans on gay marriages to roll out. It is understood that same-sex marriages will be legalised by 2014 for some churches in Britain.

 

Mrs. Miller has said that the legislation, which was revealed on Tuesday, that will legalise gay marriages for England and Wales, will also protect the Church of England and the Church in Wales from being forced to accept the plans. This is being referred to as a ‘quadruple lock’; where a church body cannot be forced to hold same-sex marriage ceremonies.

 

There are fears from some critics however, that by pushing gay weddings forward it could result in gay couples being able to request for their ceremonies to be held in churches. Last week it was announced that religious organisations could ‘opt in’ to hold same-sex marriages in a church, as explained in a report by the Mail Online.

 

Reportedly, the Conservative Party seems to be divided on the topic. It is thought that the traditional Tory perception of marriage is the union of two individuals from the opposite sex. This arguably compares to the view held by traditional members of the Catholic Church.

 

Although, religious bodies such as the Catholic Church will also be able to refuse to hold same-sex ceremonies.

 

It is understood that Mrs. Miller’s advisors nodded at the rules surrounding religious freedom; as the European Convention on Human Rights prevents gay ceremonies being forced on religious organisations.