UK: Labour to make equal marriage a whipped vote
PinkNews.co.uk understands Labour is likely to whip its MPs when it comes to supporting the government’s policy of equal civil marriage rights for gay couples.
Unlike their Conservative counterparts, who have already been promised a free vote, Labour is following the option of the Lib Dems, by invoking a three-line Commons whip.
It means Labour MPs such as Jim Dobbin, Joe Benton and Mary Glindon, who have already signalled their public opposition to marriage equality, risk potential disciplinary action if they go against party lines and pass through the no lobby.
Mr Miliband said faith groups that want to provide same-sex marriage ceremonies “should be able to do so”.
He urged the government “to get on with the process of legislating for equal marriage”.
In order to counter large-scale hostility from Catholic and Anglican leaders, ministers have repeatedly stressed the current proposals are aimed at the “civil” definition of marriage – whilst not explicitly ruling out legalising religious same-sex weddings.
The government will issue its official response to this year’s equal marriage public consultation before Christmas.