Main | Tuesday, February 05, 2013

BREAKING: British House Of Commons Overwhelmingly Approves Marriage Bill

The final vote was 400-175.  A large number of Tories "rebelled" against Prime Minister David Cameron and voted against the bill.  The bill now heads for its third and final reading.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg reacts: 
I genuinely believe that we will look back on today as a landmark for equality in Britain. Tonight’s vote shows parliament is very strongly in favour of equal marriage. No matter who you are and who you love, we are all equal. Marriage is about love and commitment, and it should no longer be denied to people just because they are gay. The Liberal Democrats have long fought for equal marriage. It is party policy and I am proud that the Liberal Democrats are part of the coalition government that are making it happen.
From the Guardian's live blog:
MPs have voted for the gay marriage bill by 400 votes to 175 - a majority of 225. Such a large majority probably increases the chances of the bill being able to get through the House of Lords this year, without the government having to rely on the Parliament Act to push it through in 2014. More than half of the Tory MPs who voted chose to oppose gay marriage. Initial figures suggest that 139 Tories voted against, and only 132 voted for. Technically this is not a rebellion, because it was a free vote. But it is a severe embarrassment to David Cameron.

Labels: , ,

comments powered by Disqus

<<Home