An amendment that threatened to derail the Government’s Marriage (Same-Sex) Couples Bill has been rejected following a last-minute deal with the Labour party last night (20 May).
Agreement
The Government entered into an agreement with Labour leader Ed Miliband to defeat an amendment permitting heterosexual couples to enter into civil partnerships.
The Coalition had warned that the amendment, if passed, could cost the taxpayer an extra £4 billion and delay same-sex ‘marriage’ legislation for up to two years.
The amendment – tabled by former minister Tim Loughton – was struck down by 375 votes to 70 following a five hour debate in the House of Commons.
Embarassment
The deal is somewhat embarrassing for David Cameron, who has had to rely on the Opposition to make sure the Bill continues to progress through Parliament.
The Prime Minister’s insistence on pushing through same sex ‘marriage’ legislation has upset large numbers of grassroots Conservatives.
In an attempt to assuage their concerns, the Prime Minister sent a letter to Party members saying “this is more than a working relationship; it is a deep and lasting friendship”. But the Prime Minister failed to mention same sex ‘marriage’ in the letter, one of the issues that has contributed most to the alienation of supporters on the ground.
Conscience
MPs also defeated proposals to permit civil registrars to opt out of conducting same-sex weddings on conscience grounds and an amendment aimed at protecting the religious freedom of individuals who believe that marriage can only be between a man and a woman.
A vote on the Bill as a whole is due to take place this evening (21 May) in the House of Commons.
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