Women and Equalities written question – answered at on 12 February 2013.
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities
(1) what recent representations she has received on the adequacy of her proposed protections aimed at ensuring that churches and clergy who do not wish to carry out same sex marriage ceremonies are not compelled to do so;
(2) what discussions she has had with representatives of the churches and clergy regarding protections for (a) churches and clergy who do not wish to carry out same sex marriage ceremonies and (b) workers who have a conscientious objection to measures contained on the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill;
(3) if she will take steps to put robust measures in place to ensure that churches and clergy who do not wish to carry out same sex marriage ceremonies are not compelled to do so;
(4) whether, in the light of views expressed by hon. Members in the debate on Second Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, she plans to bring forward further proposals to strengthen protection for churches and clergy who do not wish to carry out same sex marriage ceremonies.
holding answer
We have always been clear that no religious organisation or individual minister will be forced to marry same sex couples. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, which had its Second Reading on
“If the Bill proceeds into law it is essential that the various ‘locks’ in the Bill are preserved as drafted.”
When the Bill is in force, people will continue to be able to express their perfectly lawful views that marriage should be between a man and a woman, in the same way as they already express views about a whole range of issues—such as that civil partnerships are contrary to religious teaching, or that people should not have children outside marriage. Same-sex marriage will not be treated any differently.
Yes1 person thinks so
No3 people think not
Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.