I remain of the view that this Bill is misguided and I shall be voting against it at Third Reading.
I am concerned that the Bill, if passed, would create some specific injustices for faith groups and individuals who cannot, in conscience, support Same Sex marriage, and so, unless there are significant Government concessions on these points, I shall be voting in favour of the following amendments tabled by colleagues who share my concerns:
NC1 - Protecting Faith Schools
making it clear that church schools will be free to teach about marriage in accordance with the religious character of the school.
NC3 - Protecting Consciences of Marriage Registrars
applying conscientious objection to marriage registrars (similar to atheists teaching RE or GPs performing an abortion) . The amendments would prevent registrars being compelled to solemnise same-sex marriages against their consciences. However, if there are not enough registrars in the area to meet demand, the conscience clause would not apply. This is similar to the law in Holland which was the first country to legalise same sex marriage.
NC6 - Protecting beliefs about traditional marriage
making it clear that beliefs about traditional marriage are covered by the 'religion or belief' protection against discrimination provision in the Equality Act
Amendment 4 - Preventing litigation against churches
ensuring that a denominational decision not to 'opt in' to same-sex weddings would not be the subject of protracted legal action and unfair treatment by a public authority.
NC9 - A Referendum
given the lack of mandate a referendum would take place to determine commencement. It would be done on a similar basis to the referendum that took place in 2011.
I will also support any other amendments to a similar effect that may be called for debate.
I am grateful to everyone who has been kind enough to contact me about this Bill, whether for or against it. I have listened carefully to both sides of the Debate and trust that everyone understands the reasons why I cannot support this particular piece of legislation.
Bob Neill MP