Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill
Debate between David Burrowes and Julian Smith
Mr Burrowes
I fully recognise that, and I have yet to come to my “but” and the concerns out there, which go beyond the issue of the marriage ceremony and religious premises. We recognise that the Government’s and Ministers’ commitment to this Bill not resulting in an encroachment on religious liberty—indeed there is a 100% guarantee—does not just encompass the walls of a church or religious premises; it goes beyond that into the public square and relates to people manifesting their faith in their workplace, their school and beyond. It is that area of scrutiny where the “but” comes in, although I still want to be positive before I get to that.
Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
Does my hon. Friend agree that the Quakers have played a brilliant role in the passage of this Bill?