UK Prime Minister backs church role in gay marriages

PanARMENIAN.Net - UK Prime Minister David Cameron wants churches in England and Wales to be allowed to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies, BBC News reported.

He said he did not want gay people to be "excluded from a great institution", but would not force any groups to hold ceremonies in their places of worship.

Ministers will reveal their response to a consultation next week. MPs will be given a free vote on the issue.

The move has angered some Tory MPs who have opposed the change in the law.

Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, warned there will be "outrage throughout the country" and a "clear backlash" against David Cameron's proposals.

"Marriage is between one man and one woman and so changes to the definition of marriage are not appreciated and not strongly supported," he said

He said he was against teachers "being forced to say same sex relationships are the equivalent of heterosexual relationships" - something he said would happen if the move become law.

Even if churches and other places of worship were allowed to refuse to marry gay couples they could face legal challenges, said the Conservative MP.

The move is likely to get through the House of Commons, as it supported by most Labor, Lib Dem and Conservative MPs, but Mr Blackman predicted it could face "an interesting challenge" in the House of Lords.

Conservative MP Stewart Jackson tweeted: "Gay marriage bill will be massacred in the Lords and govt. can't use Parliament Act as it wasn't in manifesto. Arrogant Cameron knows best."

But Mr Cameron said: "I'm a massive supporter of marriage and I don't want gay people to be excluded from a great institution. But let me be absolutely 100% clear: if there is any church or any synagogue or any mosque that doesn't want to have a gay marriage it will not, absolutely must not, be forced to hold it. That is absolutely clear in the legislation. Also let me make clear, this is a free vote for Members of Parliament, but personally I will be supporting it."