Labour supports PM in Commons gay marriage vote
LABOUR stepped in to throw Davi d Cameron’s gay marriage legislation a lifeline last night, heading off a “wrecking” amendment by Tory rebels
But the Prime Minister risked storing up further trouble among his fractious backbenchers by using the opposition to defy them.
Downing Street had earlier warned moves by Conservative MPs could see the flagship same-sex marriage reforms, which campaigners Stonewall say will have knock-on effects in Scotland, delayed for up to two years and cost an extra £4 billion.
The amendment, which would let registrars opt out of conducting same-sex marriages, won the support of 150 MPs in a Commons vote last night.
The 150 – many expected to be Conservative backbenchers – represent a significant opposition to Government plans, but they were defeated in the Commons when 340 MPs voted against them.
At the 11th hour, Labour struck a deal with the Coalition and moved its own amendment which called for a review of civil partnerships. There was confusion over when such a review would happen, with Labour saying it should be “immediate” and Downing Street claiming that was consistent with its call for the issue to be considered within years.
The Scottish Government has said it will bring forward legislation to allow same-sex marriages in Scotland.
Stonewall Scotland said it was crucial the Westminster legislation passed because of the effect it would have on a number of reserved matters, including pensions.
In a second vote, 148 MPs backed an amendment to protect the religious beliefs of anyone who believes marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman.
However, 349 MPs voted against that amendment.