Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Selous Excerpts

Thursday 19th January 2012 Commons Chamber

The hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, was asked—

[Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con)]

9. What recent discussions the Church Commissioners have had with Ministers on the Government's forthcoming consultation on marriage.

[The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Tony Baldry)]

There have already been discussions between Church representatives and Government Ministers on this subject, and more are in prospect. It will come as no surprise to the House that the Church of England holds firmly to the view that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman.

[Andrew Selous]

What reassurance can my hon. Friend give churches in my constituency, which have contacted me about their fear that they may be prosecuted for discrimination if they persist with traditional marriage?

[Tony Baldry]

The Government have given an assurance that that is not the case. The law states plainly that individual denominations may make perfectly clear that they can continue to ensure that marriage is celebrated between a man and a woman, and the Church of England will continue to do so.