Equal Marriage: How Trafford's MPs voted (From Messenger Newspapers)

Equal Marriage: How Trafford's MPs voted

12:00pm Thursday 7th February 2013 in News By Kate Banks, Reporter

TRAFFORD MPs are split on the issue of equal marriage, following the passage of the Parliamentary Bill which brought same sex marriage a step closer on Tuesday.

The Government Bill was passed with a majority of 225 – but only with the backing of Labour MPs.

While Kate Green, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston voted for the Bill, Paul Goggins, Labour MP for Sale East and Wythenshawe, voted against it.
Graham Brady, Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale West, also voted against the Bill.

Ms Green, who is Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities. said:"I’m proud of having voted in favour of equal marriage in parliament this week.

“I firmly believe that same sex couples who love and want to marry one another should have the right to do so.
“Marriage is one of our most precious social institutions, and enabling more people to make that commitment will help to strengthen and perpetuate it.

“Of course, it’s right that no religious institution or individual priest should be forced to marry a same sex couple contrary to their faith, and the legislation provides the right protections for religious freedom.

“Yesterday’s overwhelming vote in favour is something we should celebrate."

Mr Goggins said he had thought deeply before making the decision to vote no to the Bill.
He added: “Parliament has already legislated to provide equality for people of the same sex who live in long-term relationships and I voted in favour of civil partnerships.

“But changing the definition of marriage to include same sex couples goes further and asserts that marriage between a man and a woman is the same as a committed relationship between two people of the same sex. I do not believe it is.”

Mr Brady, who spoke in a television debate ahead of the vote, said he had misgivings about the Bill as ‘it is impossible to guarantee that religious freedom will not be compromised.’