Iain Stewart
Main Page: Iain Stewart (Conservative - Milton Keynes South)(11 years, 11 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
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Maria Miller
I will have to get back to my hon. Friend with those exact data, but I am sure that all the ceremonies that have taken place have been joyous occasions.
Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con)
Has my right hon. Friend had a chance to examine the experience of those other European countries that have legalised same-sex marriage? Have any churches in those countries been forced to marry a couple against their faith?
Maria Miller
The simple answer to that is no. Many European countries have permitted same-sex marriage for many years. Denmark, for example, adopted such a policy in 1989, and now Spain, Canada and many others are putting in place similar legislation. This reflects societies that are willing to embrace change while ensuring that protection for important religious institutions is in place.