John Baron MP quizzes Minister over same-sex marriages in churches

10th December 2012
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MP supports same-sex marriage but seeks guarantees from Minister

Today in the House of Commons, during an Urgent Question on same-sex marriages in churches, John Baron MP asked the Minister for Equalities, Rt Hon Maria Miller MP, about protections for religious institutions. The Government’s policy is that churches (or other religious institutions) who wish to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies should be free to do so, but that, by law, no church will be compelled to do so against its will.

In the House of Commons, John asked,

“I support the Government’s policy, but some churches in my constituency are concerned they will be forced by the courts to host same-sex marriage ceremonies. What assurances can the Minister give that the Government’s correct ruling will not be overturned by courts in this country or abroad?”

The Minister replied that European case law dictated that this area of policy was the preserve of national governments.

Afterwards, John said,

“The Minister was right to confirm the situation. No religious institution will be forced to host same-sex marriage ceremonies against its will. At the same time, those institutions who wish to host them will be able to do so.”

“This is a fair and equitable position, and I fully support the Government’s work in this area.”

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