The House of Commons has voted 366-161 to introduce marriage equality in England and Wales. Several Tory MPs spoke against the proposals, which have caused tensions in the party, but the Labour and the Liberal Democrat leadership and most of their parliamentary caucuses backed them. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill now goes before the House of Lords. David Cameron has expressed hope that it will become law soon, with the first ceremonies taking place during next summer. Welsh Secretary David Jones and Environment Secretary Owen Paterson voted against the bill at its third reading, as did ten other Tory junior ministers. Altogether 133 Tories opposed the bill, as did 15 Labour MPs, four Lib Democrats, all eight (Northern Ireland) Democratic Unionists and an independent.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 22nd May 2013 - 9:24am