CLLR PHELIM MAC CAFFERTY
GSCENE 9
Cllr Phelim MacCafferty, deputy leader of Brighton & Hove
City Council, said: “Greens have historically argued that all
couples, regardless of their gender or sexuality, should be
allowed to marry. We are proud of the role that Greens have
played in pushing the issues forward, including Green London
Assembly member Darren Johnson who asked the Mayor of
London to trial civil partnerships in the London Assembly, which,
of course, proved so popular that it was introduced as law.
“However, we’re disappointed that all clergy from the Catholic Church and Church
of England who wish to conduct marriage for same-sex couples are banned from
doing so. Greens argue that the proposals unfairly discriminate against Anglicans
and Catholics wishing to have their love recognised in the same building as they
worship in. Ministers from, for example, Unitarian Churches, Liberal Synagogues
and the Society of Friends (Quakers) will be permitted to conduct marriages which
we welcome, but we are concerned that in the main faiths in the UK there will be,
effectively, no change. We don't think this is good enough at all. In addition it is
unfair and discriminatory to bar opposite-sex couples from civil partnerships.
“Greens are appalled that many Members of Parliament have used the equal
marriage debate to stir up bigotry - Bob Blackman MP has called for the reintroduction of the much-hated Section 28. We are disappointed too that Labour
having stated that they would apply a three-line whip to the vote has now said that
they will apply a free vote.
“It is good that the consultation on marriage has been published and that the
debate on meaningful equality will continue, but we believe that the only nondiscriminatory way to go forward is to offer all faiths and none the right to marry or
to be civilly partnered. Greens will carry on campaigning on this basis."
JOE TWYMAN
MAJORITY OF PEOPLE
SUPPORT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
M A majority (55%) of the British public support changing the law to allow
same-sex marriage, but Conservative voters are divided on the issue with 46%
in favour, 48% opposed and the rest who say they don’t know. The poll comes
amidst a declaration by Ukip leader Nigel Farage that the Prime Minister’s
decision to legalise gay marriage would “rip apart” the Conservative Party.
Meanwhile, 60% of Labour voters support same-sex marriage, and an
overwhelming 77% of Liberal Democrats are in favour of the change.
There was also a considerable divide between men and women on the issue,
with only 48% of men in support of same-sex marriage (43% are opposed)
compared to 62% support amongst women (28% are opposed).
The government recently announced a proposal to legalise same-sex marriage,
but the Church of England and Church in Wales will be exempted from
performing same-sex wedding ceremonies. Other religious institutions will be
able to “opt-in” to holding same-sex weddings if they so choose. According to
the poll, 45% of the public support changing the law to allow same-sex couples
to marry in registry offices and licenced venues, but keep religious weddings in
churches to those between a man and a woman, while 41% oppose this approach
and 14% say they don’t know. Meanwhile, 53% say they support giving churches
the choice of whether or not to offer same-sex marriages, while 37% oppose this
and 10% don’t know. When asked what is more important, the right of same-sex
couples to get married or the right of churches to keep religious marriages to
those between men and women, a plurality say that the right of churches should
take priority, but a substantial proportion are unsure.
• 27% say the right of same-sex couples to get married is m