British Deputy PM speaks out on marriage
British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has spoken out on plans by the coalition government to allow same-sex couples full marriage rights, saying the current debate is about “when”, not “if” to make the change.
Prime Minister David Cameron announced last year that he intended to introduce same-sex civil marriage by the next general election, which has been met with fierce opposition from some Conservative Party MPs and religious groups in the country.
Clegg’s party, the Liberal Democrats, have long supported marriage equality, and he reaffirmed his support in an online video for the Out4Marriage campaign, which has recorded statements of support from several leading politicians.
“I’ve always been very clear on this: love is the same, straight or gay, so the civil institution should be the same too,” he said.
“All couples should be able to make that commitment to one another, regardless of who they love.”
Clegg stressed that, despite opposition, nothing would stop same-sex marriage from being introduced.
“We brought forward our proposals – they have provoked a heated debate. But these are proposals about when and how to open up civil marriage to gay and lesbian couples. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ any more,” he said.
“And to those who are worried about some of the opposition to this move or the tone of the debate, let me just say, whether you are a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual or straight: your freedom to love who you choose is a fundamental right in a liberal society – and you will always have our support.”
