Bath debate on gays' right to marry
A public debate has taken place in Bath to give people the chance to discuss gay marriage.
The Same Sex Marriage Bill, which is currently passing through Parliament, has divided people, with strong arguments put forward in favour and against.
MP Don Foster, who voted for the bill in its second reading earlier this month, organised the debate to give people the chance to hear the different views and ask questions.
Speaking at the meeting, he said: "Marriage is one of the best celebrations of love and commitment.
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"And I don't see why it shouldn't be available to all regardless of sexuality."
For the debate, held at the Percy Community Centre, in New King Street, Mr Foster was joined by the Rev Kieren Bourne from Living Springs Metropolitan Community Church, who was also in favour of same sex marriage.
Mr Bourne said: "Marriage has been and still is evolving, based on sexual equality, and this is another step in that evolution. Faith should never be used to defend any form of discrimination or prejudice."
Bath City Church leader Stewart Keiller and Bath Abbey Rector the Rev Edward Mason presented arguments against the bill, during the debate, which was chaired by Bath Chronicle editor Lynne Fernquest.
Mr Keiller said: "Marriage for years has been a union of a man and a woman, it is a clear and absolute definition, and I believe it is the bedrock of the family."
Mr Mason, who stressed he is in favour of civil partnerships and gay rights, said he did not think this was a decision that should be made by the Government.
He said: "I am dubious about the right of a government to redefine our understanding of marriage so quickly and without the electoral mandate to do so."
4 Comments
by PWBath
Friday, February 22 2013, 4:01PM
“Having just celebrated 25 years together with my same sex partner, the issue is somewhat moot for us, but nonetheless important as a recognition of equality. Whatever Don's political party, I thank him for taking this stand.”
by InBathBA1
Friday, February 22 2013, 1:30PM
“I don't believe that that men wearing dresses should pass judgement on whether same sex couples should get married. Apologies god if you are the bearded white male as envisioned by the Christian Church, but I just don't see any issues. A man wearing a dress attracting a group of people on a Sunday to sing and pray I find frankly a more bizarre image than same sex couples getting married.”
by wheelie_bin
Friday, February 22 2013, 9:20AM
“I think the last comment may have been wasted on Don, unless he can marry himself or the House of Lords. You turn to take over VV as the disabled, unemployed, pensioners (except himself and his MP buddies) etc. do not seem high on Don's list.”
by mhelenmary
Friday, February 22 2013, 8:24AM
“If you have true feelings for someone does marriage in fact make a difference? I think that the fact you have feelings that are true, and caring is important.
The complex issues involved in the above, and the law is clearly important.
Don, if you care about someone, you are kind, loving and caring, if you are married or not. In sickness and health, taking someone for what they are, and caring just the same. Marriage will not improve these, they have to be there, before this happens. There were comments a wedding or a marriage?”