Lords say “I DO” to equal marriage

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) couples in England and Wales will be able to marry next spring, after the House of Lords gave the Third Reading to the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill this evening, July 15.

Subject to amendments in the House of Commons – a technicality – the Bill will now receive Royal Assent and become law.

Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill said:

“It’s impossible to express how much joy this historic step will bring to tens of thousands of gay people and their families and friends. The Bill’s progress through Parliament shows that, at last, the majority of politicians in both Houses understand the public’s support for equality – though it’s also reminded us that gay people still have powerful opponents.

“Stonewall’s volunteers, supporters and staff have worked flat-out for equal marriage in England and Wales, and Stonewall Scotland’s campaign continues north of the Border. We’ll redouble our efforts in Scotland so that every single gay person in Britain will soon enjoy full equality.”

Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven has been a vocal support of the Bill. This afternoon he joined supportive MP’s Peers and gay rights campaigers at a rally on College Green in Westminster to welcome the news.

Simon said:

“I am delighted that this historic legislation has made further progress, and now looks set to become law.

“I have fought hard to ensure this Bill progresses through Parliament, and it was a special moment to be standing with fellow supporters on College Green when the announcement was made that the House of Lords had passed the Bill.

“Soon people in my constituency and across the UK will have the freedom to marry the person they love, regardless of their sexual orientation, and I think that is a very good thing indeed.”

During the Bill’s progress through Parliament, Stonewall staff and volunteers produced thousands of personalised briefings and speaking notes for MPs and peers. The charity gave evidence to the Bill Committee in the House of Commons and has attended and lobbied at every stage of the Bill’s progress.

Mike Weatherley, MP for Portslade & Hove , added:

“This new legislation is a historic step forward for gay rights. I first raised the issue of marriage inequality with David Cameron back in 2011 and he was right to make Same-Sex Marriage a priority for the Government. It was completely at odds with an open and democratic society to exclude gay couples from the important institution of marriage. Allowing gay couples to marry will mean a huge amount to thousands of my constituents and I look forward to attending a wedding in the near future.”

For more information about Stonewall’s campaign for equal marriage CLICK HERE: www.stonewall.org.uk/marriage