Government to propose new free speech clause for marriage supporters
Government ministers are expected to announce new proposals to offer more protection in law for those who express the view that marriage can only be between one man and one woman.
Culture Secretary Maria Miller is set to propose an amendment to the Public Order Act to permit opponents of same sex marriage to express their beliefs on the issue without fear of prosecution.
A source has said that the amendment will make “clear that people will be protected who want to express their belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman.”
“It addresses the concern that there will be a chilling effect so that people, such as those of faith, will be afraid to express their views in public,” the source added.
It is believed that current protections in the Act for those who express their beliefs on issues of “sexual orientation” will be extended to include those who oppose same sex 'marriage' openly.
It is expected that the amendment will be confirmed by Lords whip Baroness Stowell during the committee stage of the Government’s Marriage Same Sex Couples Bill, which began this week.
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