Vote held on gay marriage bill

Many members of the House of Lords showed support for the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill in the vote

By Nicole Hamer |

11:48 05 June 2013

A vote was held on Tuesday, 5th June, in regards to the Marriage Bill for same sex couples. The result was that the House of Lords dismissed the amendment which intends to wreck the bill. This was by 242 votes, as the vote ended 390 to 148.

 

The result came after debates were held for two days in regards to the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill.

Many peers are understood to have voiced their concerns, but the result came about after many showed support for same-sex marriages.

Following the vote, it seems the bill is a little nearer towards being made into law. Although, there are to be further votes held, which may mean the bill could be voted down.

The news of the outcome of the vote has been welcomed by many who support same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, there are other people who oppose the idea of altering the law to enable same-sex marriages.

It is understood that if the bill became law then religious establishments would need to ‘opt in’ in order for them to provide same-sex weddings. However, this would not include the Church of England or the Church of Wales which would be barred from doing this.

In the House of Commons in May, the plans divided the Tories as many opposed the bill – around 50per cent.

In regards to this subject, France has recently had a same-sex marriage take place for the first time.