Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill

Angela Watkinson Excerpts

Tuesday 16th July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Maria Miller]

The hon. Gentleman, who sat on the Committee, makes a strong point, but we have to recognise that people require reassurance. My hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Mr Jackson) has sought that reassurance and I hope he will join me in supporting the amendment to the Public Order Act so that there is absolute clarity for those who may remain concerned.

[Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) (Con)]

I thank my right hon. Friend for her detailed clarification on the issues of compulsion on the grounds of religion and with regard to teachers in particular, because they have formed the basis of most of the letters of objection that I have received from constituents. Now that those points have been clarified, people’s fears can be put to rest.

[Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con)]

No, they can’t.

[Dame Angela Watkinson]

We can now allow the Bill to progress and legislate on equal rights for gay people.