Equal Marriage Consultation

Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown Excerpts

Tuesday 11th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Maria Miller]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. There is no way in which the Government want to become involved in the philosophy of our religious institutions. It is ultimately for them to take their stance, whether it is the Church of England making it clear up front that it does not wish to be involved in this—although it has the right to change that position over time if it wants—or any other religious institution.

[Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP)]

Does the Minister feel that she is competent to act as God—to change and challenge the definition of marriage, between one man and one woman?

[Maria Miller]

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman would not want me to comment on the first part of his question, because that would be inappropriate. What I am doing is ensuring that marriage is a vibrant and relevant institution in our country today, and I am sure he will want to support that. In regard to the part of the country that he represents, the Northern Ireland Government are clearly taking a different view, and we respect that. We should all show respect for both sides of the argument.