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24/05/2012
Tory's Accused Of Gay Marriage Backtrack
Following the announcement that Tory MPs and ministers will be allowed a ‘free vote’ on the issue of gay marriage, Downing Street has denied accusations that it is backtracking.
On Wednesday, David Cameron's spokesman said legislating on the issue of gay marriage was a "a government commitment" and ministers would be expected to support it.
This was followed on Thursday when No 10 then said they saw it as an issue of conscience, like abortion, and it was right to allow a free vote.
A free vote means that MPs are allowed to vote as they wish and not as directed by party managers.
Sources claim they are still confident of getting the measure through.
Current legislation allows same-sex couples to enter into a civil partnership, but not civil marriage and while the prime minister has personally backed the plan to allow same sex couples in England and Wales to marry, the issue has exposed tensions within the coalition.
Some leading Conservatives have called for the plan to be dropped, in the wake of bad local election results, arguing there are more pressing priorities for voters.
(H)
On Wednesday, David Cameron's spokesman said legislating on the issue of gay marriage was a "a government commitment" and ministers would be expected to support it.
This was followed on Thursday when No 10 then said they saw it as an issue of conscience, like abortion, and it was right to allow a free vote.
A free vote means that MPs are allowed to vote as they wish and not as directed by party managers.
Sources claim they are still confident of getting the measure through.
Current legislation allows same-sex couples to enter into a civil partnership, but not civil marriage and while the prime minister has personally backed the plan to allow same sex couples in England and Wales to marry, the issue has exposed tensions within the coalition.
Some leading Conservatives have called for the plan to be dropped, in the wake of bad local election results, arguing there are more pressing priorities for voters.
(H)
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11 December 2012
CofE Gay Marriage Outlawed
Performing gay marriage ceremonies in the Church of England and Church in Wales is to be banned, the government has announced. The move comes as a result of new 'opt-in' laws which will allow some religious institutions to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.
CofE Gay Marriage Outlawed
Performing gay marriage ceremonies in the Church of England and Church in Wales is to be banned, the government has announced. The move comes as a result of new 'opt-in' laws which will allow some religious institutions to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.
12 June 2012
Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
07 December 2012
Cameron Wants Gay Marriage In Churches
David Cameron wants churches in England and Wales to be allowed to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies. The Prime Minister said he did not want gay people to be "excluded from a great institution", but would not force religious groups to carry out the ceremonies. In the ongoing debate ministers are expected to response to a consultation next week.
Cameron Wants Gay Marriage In Churches
David Cameron wants churches in England and Wales to be allowed to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies. The Prime Minister said he did not want gay people to be "excluded from a great institution", but would not force religious groups to carry out the ceremonies. In the ongoing debate ministers are expected to response to a consultation next week.
12 December 2012
Scotland Gay Marriage Consultation Begins
A consultation has begun today on a draft bill to introduce gay marriage in Scotland. The plans have received cross party support in the Scottish Parliament. The consultation will investigate views on the legislation.
Scotland Gay Marriage Consultation Begins
A consultation has begun today on a draft bill to introduce gay marriage in Scotland. The plans have received cross party support in the Scottish Parliament. The consultation will investigate views on the legislation.
11 September 2003
ISC report stops short of accusing Hoon
An Intelligence and Security Committee report published today has stopped short of accusing Defence Minister Geoff Hoon of making misleading statements to the committee.
ISC report stops short of accusing Hoon
An Intelligence and Security Committee report published today has stopped short of accusing Defence Minister Geoff Hoon of making misleading statements to the committee.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry start to Monday but with some mist or fog patches, sunny spells elsewhere. Showers developing during the afternoon, particularly in the west, these heavy and thundery. Maximum temperature 21 °C.Tonight:Showers in the west soon dying off this evening. Patchy cloud and clear spells through the first part of the night but further showers later. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
