Clegg attacks Cameron on gay marriage
A decision by Prime Minister David Cameron to allow Tory MPs – including ministers – a free vote on gay marriage was condemned yesterday by Nick Clegg.
The Deputy Prime Minister said it was wrong to let the issue become a "great free-for-all" as it was a government commitment – not a conscience vote. The Prime Minister and other Tory ministers support same-sex marriage, but he faces backbench dissent about the move. Backbench hostility, as well as opposition from Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson, has forced him to concede a free vote on the proposal.
Commons leader Sir George Young said last week that Tory MPs would have a free vote as it involved "matters of conscience".
But Mr Clegg told the Andrew Marr Show: "If this was an issue that somehow the Government was proposing something that would somehow be an imposition on religion or the churches, then of course that would be a matter of conscience. We are not."
Mr Clegg insists the measure will become law – and suggested Mr Cameron should be tougher with backbench opponents.
"It's something I believe in... and I think we should now do this because we're not asking any person with religious convictions to sacrifice anything," he said.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies