28 February 2013

As a liberal politician I abhor discrimination and am pleased that in our modern society we have reached a point where we regard equality before the law as fundamental in respect of age, ethnicity, sex or sexual orientation. It was for this reason that previously, for example, I supported civil partnerships.

At the same time, however, I am respectful of the views of all faith groups. It is understandable and surely corrects that any legislation affecting the institution of marriage should be thoroughly scrutinised.

Many of you expressed concerns that the legislation would result in faith groups or clerics being forced to marry same-sex couples. This will not be the case. There is a Ôquadruple lockÕ of legal protections which will ensure that all religious organisations are free to choose and can act according to their doctrines and beliefs. The Marriage Bill also makes clear that no religious organisations or religious office-holder will be compelled to marry same-sex couples.

Another concern raised by many was how this legislation will impact on teachers and the teaching of same-sex marriage in the classroom. Some literature had suggested that teachers refusing to teach the subject could face disciplinary measures. This is also untrue.

Teachers will have a clear right to express their beliefs in the classroom and this will not be jeopardised as a result of this legislation. Teachers will not be required to promote or endorse same-sex marriage, far less that they could face disciplinary measures if they were to refuse to teach the subject in the classroom.

A comparable situation already arises in many classrooms -particularly in faith schools- with regards to the explaining of divorce. The same legislation that governs how this subject is handled will govern how same-sex marriage is approached, allowing sensitivity to the overarching beliefs of the school and/or the teacher in question.

On balance, I believe that this Bill is a step in the right direction. In a modern society it is right and proper that everybody - regardless of colour, creed, gender, or sexual orientation - should be treated equally. It deserves constructive further scrutiny and support.

[included in an email sent to me, and no doubt others]