UK Debating Marriage Again Today As Government Moves To ‘Protect Gay Marriage Critics’
The British House of Lords is right now debating amendments to a same-sex marriage bill that is all but guaranteed to pass and be signed into law. (You can watch the debate wrapping up here.) As the upper parliament house debates various options, Britain’s Culture Secretary is “said to be about to change” a statute in an effort to “protect gay marriage critics” from prosecution or persecution, according to the Daily Mail:
Culture Secretary Maria Miller is said to be about to propose changing the Public Order Act so those who believe same-sex weddings are wrong can say so publicly without fear of prosecution.
The move is part of government attempts to prevent legislation running into further trouble as it progresses through Parliament.
Faith minister Baroness Warsi abstained in a key vote in the House of Lords, telling friends that religious groups needed extra protection.
Now the Culture Secretary is preparing to amend the Public Order Act so it is ‘clear that people will be protected who want to express their belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman’, a source said.
Protections in the Act that exist for critics of ‘sexual orientation’ will be updated to cover same-sex marriage, it is understood.
‘It addresses the concern that there will be a chilling effect so that people, such as those of faith, will be afraid to express their views in public.’
Meanwhile, as of this writing, Pink News UK’s live blog notes the debate on this attempt to protect religious anti-gay views:
Lord Anderson, an equal marriage opponent, passionately said: “We are not bigots, we are people who happen to hold a traditional view of marriageâ€.
He also claims gay and bisexual people are overpowering religious believers through “tyranny of a minorityâ€.
Lord Singh: “People will be coerced†into saying they support same-sex marriage as “there is a lack of respect and tolerance for diverse views on this matterâ€.
He made reference to 2012, when Deputy MP Nick Clegg reportedly referred to marriage equality opponents as “bigots†in a drafted speech.
Name calling and abuse directed at people who support the 1949 Marriage Act is astonishing, says Lord Singh. He worries that this will lead to violence if same-sex marriage proponents choose to defend “the moral high groundâ€.
Baroness Barker, who came out as gay in the last reading, says some of the most homophobic material sent to her is said in the name of churches.
Related:
English Baroness Comes Out As Lesbian During House Of Lords Marriage Debate
Look: Britain Responds To News House Of Lords Supports Marriage Bill (Photos)
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.