Question
(4) whether, in the light of views expressed by hon. Members in the debate on Second Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, she plans to bring forward further proposals to strengthen protection for churches and clergy who do not wish to carry out same sex marriage ceremonies.
[142405]
Mr Anderson:
Answer
[holding answer 11 February 2013]: We have always been clear that no religious organisation or individual minister will be forced to marry same sex couples. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, which had its Second Reading on 5 February, contains a quadruple lock of religious protections which deliver on this commitment. We have had detailed discussions with a wide range of religious organisations, including the Church of England, as we developed the Bill, and we are confident the religious protections are robust and effective. The Church of England has said:
“If the Bill proceeds into law it is essential that the various ‘locks’ in the Bill are preserved as drafted.”
When the Bill is in force, people will continue to be able to express their perfectly lawful views that marriage should be between a man and a woman, in the same
way as they already express views about a whole range of issues—such as that civil partnerships are contrary to religious teaching, or that people should not have children outside marriage. Same-sex marriage will not be treated any differently.