Monmouth and Torfaen MPs to oppose gay marriage bill (From Free Press Series)

Monmouth and Torfaen MPs, Paul Murphy and David Davies to oppose gay marriage bill

2:54pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News

GWENT MPs are to join their counterparts and vote on controversial plans for gay marriage later.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill would enable same-sex couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies in England and Wales.

It would also allow couples who had previously entered into civil partnerships to convert their relationship into a marriage.

The plans, being explored in the House of Commons today, have sparked outrage in some quarters, including within Prime Minister David Cameron's own party.

MPs will have a free vote on the issues, meaning they will not be ordered to vote for or against by party whips.

Paul Murphy will be voting against the measure to legalise same-sex marriage. The Torfaen MP said: “I feel that this is primarily about the definition of marriage – something which I care greatly about as a Christian. Therefore, I do not feel able to support this measure.”

He added: “I have supported a great deal of legislation over the years to oppose discrimination and give proper legal rights to people, regardless of their sexuality. I support civil partnerships and very much oppose homophobia in any form.

Monmouth MP David Davies, who has previously spoken out passionately against the plans, said they are a "dog's breakfast," meaning the government have not thought about the future.

He said: "There are sex education consequences, religious consequences and the plans are not necessary in the first place.

"I know gay couples in Monmouth and I know they are not very supportive of it. It's bad politics and a bad idea."