Luff backs same sex marriage vote

Buy photos » Mid-Worcestershire MP, Peter Luff.

DROITWICH's MP Peter Luff was among those who voted in favour of introducing same-sex marriage in England and Wales yesterday (Tuesday).

After a day of debate in the Commons, Mr Luff was one of 400 MPs who pledged their support for the bill which, if approved, will enable gay men and women to marry.

Around 130 Conservative MPs rebelled against the Prime Minister and voted against the proposals including neighbouring Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier.

Redditch MP Karen Lumley also refused to back the proposals, West Worcestershire MP Harriet Baldwin abstained from voting while Robin Walker (Worcester) and Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) backed the motion.

Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Labour leader Ed Milliband all also voted in favour of the proposed legislation, which is expected to face more opposition when it goes before the House of Lords in the coming weeks.

Mr Luff said: "This has not been an easy decision because I genuinely respect the deeply held feelings of many of my older constituents.

"I have, however, concluded that the right thing to do is to celebrate loving commitment between adults, and that makes a vote for the principle of the bill the only course of action I can take.

“I recognise the specific concerns that churches and teachers who strongly oppose this change may feel inadequately protected, but I have received strong reassurances from the minister responsible on these issues.

"I am confident that full protection will be possible within the legislation," he added.

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