A new poll has found that 70 per cent of the public oppose the Government’s plan to redefine marriage to include same-sex couples, agreeing that marriage should remain a “life-long exclusive commitment between a man and a woman”.
The poll, carried out by ComRes for religious group Catholic Voices, found that only 22 per cent disagreed with that statement while nine per cent remained unsure.
The poll also found 84 per cent of the public agreed that children had the best chance in life if raised by their own mother and father in a stable, committed relationship.
Dr Austen Ivereigh, co-ordinator of Catholic Voices, said: “Our poll shows that the Government has no mandate to alter an institution which lies at the foundation of our society.
“British people believe that gay relationships should be recognised by the state through civil partnerships.
“But they are clear that marriage is a unique institution which needs to be promoted because of the benefits to children of being raised by a mother and a father.
“These results are a clear warning to Government that it is at odds with the public on this issue.”
Growing support for marriage
The Government will shortly start a consultation on how, not whether, to make marriage available to same-sex couples.
Yet the findings of the poll add further weight to a mounting campaign by Christian and secular groups against the proposals.
Catholic Bishops have now prepared a letter to be read out by all Catholic priests at masses across England and Wales this Sunday in order to mobilise support for the traditional definition of marriage.
This is one of only two times in modern history that a letter on behalf of all Catholic Bishops on a political matter will have been issued.
A covering note to the letter asks priests to encourage their parishioners to sign the Coalition for Marriage petition in support of marriage between a man and a woman, which has already attracted more than 100,000 signatures in its first two weeks.
UKIP
Now the United Kingdom Independence Party, the UK’s fourth largest political party, has also announced that it is opposed to any redefinition of marriage.
A spokesman said that the Prime Minister was deliberately provoking a conflict with people of faith, and risking turning their beliefs into criminal 'hate offences'.
Some commentators are now wondering how the Conservatives will be able to win the next election if they press ahead with their controversial proposals.
Source:
Resources:
Coalition for Marriage - Petition
Christian Concern: Sexual Orientation