Lord Carey: I will continue to oppose plans to ‘redefine’ marriage
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord George Carey, has said he will continue to oppose plans to “redefine” marriage, after facing criticism for an Easter message in which he linked marriage equality to persecution.
In his own ConservativeHome comment Lord Carey has now responded by saying that Lord Bates did not read his argument properly.
“[Lord Bates] does not address my concern that legislation to redefine marriage will narrow the space for freedom of conscience even further,” writes Lord Carey.
He clarifies that persecution is something he has witnessed taking place against Christians in countries such as Sudan, Nigeria and Pakistan, but adds that is is a word he would “prefer not to use about the plight of Christians in the UK”.
However, he goes on to say that Christians in the UK can experience “discrimination or marginalization… both heartfelt and unjust”, and that this can feel “akin to persecution”.
Lord Carey also defends his concerns about MP Chris Bryant’s proposal to turn a Westminster chapel into a multi-faith prayer room potentially available for same-sex weddings, saying that even considering the proposal amounts to “kneejerk secularism”.
He ends by saying: “I believe the Coalition has made a huge mistake with its plans to redefine marriage and I will continue to press this message home.”
