Emma made a speech in Parliament in support of new legislation to allow equal marriage.In her speech, she said: “In my opinion, it is wrong that same sex couples do not at present enjoy the same rights with regard to marriage as heterosexual couples.  I do not believe the type of commitment felt by a same sex couple is worth any less than that of a heterosexual couple and believe that they should therefore be allowed to marry under the same legal framework.”
 
“I also believe that the Equal Marriage Bill contains adequate safeguards to protect the freedom of religion and will not force religious organisations or Ministers of religion to conduct marriage ceremonies against their will.  As the Bill currently stands, religious organisations will have to expressly opt in to conduct same-sex marriages in a church or other place of religious worship.”
 
“In addition to this protection, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights guarantees the freedom of thought, conscience and religion which provides added protection to religious groups who are concerned they will be adversely affected by this Bill.”

Read Emma’s speech in parliament.

March 2013