Labour Equal marriage amendment gets Tory backing

Dear Colleague

Thank you for your support for the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill at Second Reading.

You will be aware of the amendments tabled by Tim Loughton and others (new Clauses 10 & 11) to extend civil partnerships to heterosexual couples

I have no issue with the principle of this proposal, but I am very worried that adding this measure to the Bill will create significant new difficulties in the Lords.  You may be aware of Stonewall’s concern that the Bill “is not an appropriate vehicle to progress such proposals” and “risks being delayed by proposed amendments which would widen the Bill beyond its clearly defined purpose”.

I therefore believe that the Government’s proposal for a review (Gov NC16 and Gov 51 – 54), and Labour’s manuscript amendment (a) to ensure that the review is immediate, are a sensible way forward.

I appreciate that many colleagues would like to express their support for equality and vote for civil partnerships for heterosexual couples, and that some have backed the amendment for principled reasons.  However, a large number of MPs who oppose the Bill appear ready to support the amendment for different reasons, and this reinforces to my concern about its effect.

I would urge you, as a supporter of the Bill, to vote FOR an immediate review of civil partnerships (Gov NC16 and Gov 51-54 and Lab manuscript amendment (a)) and AGAINST the Loughton amendment (New Clauses 10 & 11).  I appreciate that many of you might be inclined to abstain on the Loughton amendment, but please be aware that if the opponents of the Bill largely vote for the amendment, it will be necessary to secure a majority against it.

Thank you.

THE RT HON NICK HERBERT MP
MP for Arundel & South Downs

House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Tel:  020 7219 4080
Fax: 020 7219 1295
www.nickherbert.co.uk