Gay Marriage

Opponents of gay marriage won't face discrimination, says Equality Commission

By Nelson Jones - 14 February 16:39

The advice, given to MPs today, also refutes suggestions that unwilling clergy might be forced by human rights law to marry same-sex couples.

David Cameron leaves 10 Downing Street in London.

If Tory MPs can’t decide what kind of party they want, they’ll have to work it out in opposition

By Rafael Behr - 06 February 16:15

Whatever the change, all Tories want it to be harder and faster. That is not something the Prime Minister can deliver in a coalition.

Former children's minister Sarah Teather voted against equal marriage.

Labour and Lib Dem MPs who voted against gay marriage: full list

By George Eaton - 06 February 9:38

Twenty two Labour MPs and four Liberal Democrat MPs voted against the equal marriage bill last night.

Majority of Tory MPs fail to back gay marriage bill - but it passes

By Helen Lewis - 05 February 20:35

The bill to allow equal marriage rights for gay couples moves a step closer to becoming law - but the majority of Tory MPs vote against it or abstain.

David Cameron chats to guests at the Gay Pride reception.

Blow for Cameron as more Tory MPs vote against gay marriage than in favour

By George Eaton - 05 February 20:35

136 Conservative MPs voted against the bill, with 127 voting in favour.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, who opposes gay marriage.

Tory MPs say they support civil partnerships - but did they vote for them?

By George Eaton - 05 February 13:27

Conservative MPs use the existence of civil partnerships as an argument against gay marriage but a significant number voted against them in 2004.

Loren Cowley and Michelle Ricketts after their wedding in Sydney

Why is same sex marriage so controversial?

By Nelson Jones - 05 February 10:58

Its opponents may well have a darker motivation than they admit.

Tony Blair's government introduced civil partnerships in 2004.

Why we have Labour to thank for gay marriage

By George Eaton - 05 February 10:26

It was the dramatic advances in gay rights delivered by the Blair government that made the introduction of equal marriage possible.

Two men kiss during a demonstration in support of the legalisation of gay marria

Whatever they do, right-wing parties will lose out from the equal marriage debate

By Marie Le Conte - 01 February 11:59

As the issue of same-sex unions finally turns into a parliamentary debate on both sides of the Channel, it is becoming more and more obvious that the Conservatives and their French counterparts have little to win and a lot to lose.