The ‘second reading’ of the Government’s same-sex marriage bill will take place in the House of Commons later today.
It is expected to pass in the Commons with support and opposition from both sides of the house, despite being a bigger change than was originally proposed in the public consultation last year. The original proposal did not allow for same-sex marriages in religious venues, but this was amended in the light of the consultation. Many bi people had responded to the consultation along with bisexual organisations including Bi Community News, Bisexual Index, BiUK and BiPhoria.
The bill will face a tougher battle in the Lords, where it is possible the Parliament Act will be used to force the legislation through.
A poll of Bi Community News readers last year showed a clear margin of support for the proposals, along with clear backing for an amendment to open up Civil Partnerships to mixed-sex couples.
