Uk gay marriage vote by party

Members of the House of Commons — the lower House — voted on Tuesday by to to approve the draft law allowing same-sex couples to marry in England and Wales. The move puts Britain on track to join the ten countries that allow same-sex couples to marry, but Cameron had the embarrassment of seeing more than half of his Conservative legislators refusing to back him.

During a debate that lasted more than six hours, many Conservative MPs denounced the legislation, saying it was morally wrong, not a public priority, and unnecessarily divisive.

David Cameron on the first UK same-sex marriages

That provision aims to ensure that the Church, which opposes gay marriage, is protected from legal claims that as the official state religion it must marry anyone who requests it. The bill must next be scrutinised by a committee of legislators and then go before the upper chamber the House of Lords before becoming law.

Published On 5 Feb 5 Feb Just of Conservatives voted in favour of the plans, with voting against and 40 more either formally abstaining or not voting. The government-proposed bill would enable gay couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies, provided that the religious institutions consent.

Currently, same-sex couples only have the option of a civil partnership, which offers the same legal rights and protections on issues such as inheritance, pensions, and child maintenance.