Senior Conservative leaders have launched a new group campaigning for same-sex ‘marriage’.
London Mayor Boris Johnson, Education Secretary Michael Gove and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, a Catholic, have all signed up to the “Freedom to Marry” group.
19 senior Tories share David Cameron’s view that churches should be allowed to conduct same-sex ‘marriage’ ceremonies.
A letter to The Sunday Telegraph, announcing the formation of the group, declared: “Marriage should be open to all, regardless of sexuality.
“We recognise that civil partnerships were an important step forward in giving legal recognition to same sex couples. But civil partnerships are not marriages, which express a particular and universally understood commitment.”
The issue is increasingly splitting the Conservative Party, with around 130 Tory MPs likely not to back the measure when the Coalition’s plans come before Parliament in the spring.
Conservative MPs will be given a free vote on the plans, allowing them to decide according to their consciences without the threat of party discipline. It is thought a handful of Tory cabinet ministers will not support the move.
Following a consultation which attracted more than 225,000 responses Culture Secretary Maria Miller announced Government plans to proceed with legislation to introduce same-sex ‘marriage’. Mr Cameron, who sees the issue as an important sign that he is modernising his party, has vowed the law will be changed by the time of the next election in May 2015.
The new group has been put together by former police minister Nick Herbert. As well as the Mayor and cabinet ministers, it includes Alistair Burt, the Foreign Office minister, two other former Tory ministers - Lord Fowler and Nicholas Soames - and Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives.
But Mark Pritchard, the former secretary of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservatives, said: “The bill is likely to alienate the Tory grassroots, natural Conservative voters, and multiple faith communities. Number 10 is out of touch with mainstream public opinion and needs to shelve it”.
The Bishops’ Conference, which represents the Catholic Church in England and Wales, said: “We remain firmly opposed to the Government’s proposal to redefine marriage.
“At this time, we urge all who oppose the government’s proposal to make their views known to their own member of parliament.
“What is at stake is the intrinsic meaning of marriage and what is best for society as a whole.
“Redefining marriage is therefore a fundamental moral issue which concerns everyone. It is also one for which no mandate was sought or given to any party at the last general election.
“It should therefore be treated as an issue of conscience, and we urge all parties to offer a free vote to their members if a bill ever comes to Parliament”.
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