Tory MP Claire Perry has at last explained to her Marlborough constituents while she has voted both For and Against same sex marriage in the controversy that has divided her supporters.
The 49-year-old MP for Devizes reveals in her month of May newsletter: “The middle of May saw historic votes in the Commons on extending the right of marriage to people of the same gender.
“As many constituents will be aware, I have been supportive of same sex marriage in principle as I do not see it as a threat to traditional marriage and I think it is fair to allow same gender couples to have the same opportunity to express their commitment and devotion to one another.
“Nonetheless, I also support the right for teachers and registrars to object on religious grounds to endorsing or conducting same sex marriage. That is why I voted for sensible amendments proposed at the Report Stage of the Bill to offer more protection to teachers and registrars. “Unfortunately, these amendments were defeated but I remain convinced that the Bill already has very strong provisions in place that will not force those who have a conscientious objection to endorse or promote same sex marriage.
“Moreover, the Bill will ensure that religious organisations will not be forced to conduct these marriages nor will religious schools be prevented from teaching that their faith believes marriage to be only between a man and a woman.”
Conservative associations across the country have lost members over the gay marriage legislation promoted by David Cameron, and Cabinet ministers along with backbench Tory MPs too have opposed it on a free vote in the House of Commons.
Mother of three Mrs Perry adds: “While I do believe that same sex marriage is right and fair, I was aware that many constituents were opposed to the legislation and while it is impossible to poll the 100,000 plus residents in my constituency on the issue, it was clear that there was a substantial objection to the Bill.
“I therefore decided to positively abstain –voting for and against — on the vote for the Third Reading of the Bill to reflect the feeling of constituents who were opposed as well as my support for same sex marriage, which has been shown to be shared by a large majority of the country.
“In the end, the Third Reading was passed by 366 votes to 161 and the Bill will now begin its passage through the House of Lords but I am nonetheless grateful for all those who wrote to me on this issue.
“I sincerely hope that this Bill will become much less controversial as time goes on as it is vital our focus is not steered away from the aim to make Britain great again.”
