MP refuses to explain why he voted against gay marriage

Published date: 15 February 2013 |
Published by: Kirsite Dolphin
Read more articles by Kirsite Dolphin


 

CLWYD West’s MP has refused to explain why he voted against the gay marriage bill.

Conservative MP for Clwyd West and Welsh secretary, David Jones was one of two cabinet ministers to vote against the same-sex marriage bill.

When the Free Press tried to contact Mr Jones about his vote, his spokeswoman said: “He is not commenting on that issue at all, definitely no comment.”

She suggested that we may like to cover Mr Jones at a youth jobs summit in Newport, South Wales instead.

But Clwyd South’s Labour MP, Susan Elan Jones and Vale of Clwyd MP, Chris Ruane voted in favour of the same-sex marriage bill which was passed by 400 to 175.

Dwyfor Merionydd’s Plaid Cymru MP Elfyn Llwyd also voted for the bill.

Ms Jones said: “As there was a free vote on Members of Parliament I think that the time is right for us to decide on this issue.

“There is of course in our area a strong tradition of both radicalism and religious liberty and as part of this debate I have been interested to hear the views of people from churches and faith communities, including those who believe that it should be their liberty to perform equal marriages.

“As an active member of the Church in Wales, my view is that providing that churches and other faith groups are not forced to marry anyone that they do not wish to, then this legislation is absolutely right.”

MPs were given a free vote in the hearing, meaning loyalty to a party was lifted and MPs were allowed to vote as they wish.

The bill, which will give the right for gay people to legally wed, will now go onto the committee stage where a detailed examination of the bill will take place.

Mr Ruane said: “Firstly I would like to state that of all the issues facing the country at the moment, this isn’t one which should be a priority and the timing of this is one of David Cameron’s choosing.

“However, having said that, I have consistently voted in favour of equality legislation over the years and I am in favour of equal marriage.

“The proposed legislation does offer legal protection to those religious organisations which do not want to perform the ceremonies but it should be remembered that there are some who do.

“My philosophy is ‘Live and Let Live, Love and Let Love.”

A statement from the Church in Wales on same-sex marriage said: “We abide by the Christian doctrine of marriage as the union of one man with one woman freely entered into for life.

“We acknowledge that whilst issues of human sexuality are not resolved, there are couples living in other life-long committed relationships who deserve the welcome, pastoral care and support of the Church.

“We are committed to further listening, prayerful reflection and discernment regarding same-sex relationships.”

Prime Minister David Cameron has described the move as "an important step forward" that strengthens society.

Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said: "I genuinely believe that we will look back on today as a landmark for equality in Britain.

"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.

David Jones was one of only two cabinet members who voted against the bill, the other being Environment Secretary Owen Paterson.

The entire Welsh Conservative Party were among the 136 Tory MPs who opposed the bill.

Meanwhile 127 Conservative MPs voted in favour.

The overall result was 400 for to 175 against.

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