Poll: 60% of Tory councillors say David Cameron was wrong to legalise gay marriage
A poll of more than 1,000 Conservative councillors has found 60% disagree with David Cameron’s decision to legalise same-sex marriage – with one councillor suggesting the PM has played “God” over the issue.
Only 31% of Tory councillors surveyed felt it was the right thing to do – and 9% were not sure.
The poll was conducted by ComRes for the BBC’s Sunday Politics programme.
Vicky Vaughan, a Conservative councillor in the West Sussex town of Worthing, said same-sex marriage had “damaged” her party.
“[Same-sex marriage] has really been an issue in Worthing. I think it might have damaged our party slightly”.
Councillor Vaughan said changing the law had amounted to a “one size fits all” policy, provoking religious Tory supporters.
“It’s almost like trying to play God [in order] to make that decision,” she added.
The Tory leader made the comments while being grilled on a number of hypothetical scenarios by Newsnight host Evan Davis, who is in a civil partnership.
The broadcaster asked him: “You’re in a public park, and two men – recently married – are kissing each other. Is that sweet, or is that mildly inappropriate?”
Mr Cameron replied: “No, that’s fine! I’ve been very clear about this.
“I believe in traditional and modern values, I believe in the family, I believe in marriage. I think it’s such a great institution, I think men should be able to marry each other and women should be able to marry each other.
“If I can kiss my wife in public, I don’t see why you can’t kiss your husband in public.”
