Shadow equalities minister: I’m pleased Nicky Morgan has been won over on same-sex marriage
Shadow equalities minister Sharon Hodgson has joked about the “Damascene conversion” of Nicky Morgan on same-sex marriage.
Tory MP Nicky Morgan, who was appointed as Education Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities in July, voted against same-sex marriage legislation last year.
However, speaking ahead of the PinkNews awards last month she said that she had been won over to supporting the legislation – and would “probably” vote in favour today.
Ms Hodgson, who is Labour’s junior shadow minister for equalities, joked about Nicky Morgan’s spontaneous conversion to the cause while the First Delegated Legislation Committee enacted the final parts of the same-sex marriage legislation – surrounding Scotland, and the conversion of civil partnerships.
She joked: “We have seen the joy of all those couples who have been married since the Act’s main provisions came into effect in March.
“I am sure it is the sheer volume of joy we have already witnessed, and are yet to witness, that contributed to the Damascene conversion to the virtues of equality in marriage of the Minister for Women and Equalities, who is also the Secretary of State for Education.
“Whatever the reason, the Opposition are pleased that she has changed her mind and has been won over to the cause, and that we are finally able to get these last measures on the statute book.”
