Liberal Democrats take pride in Marriage Equalities Act

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone pioneered the 'Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013'. As Pride Month begins it is a victory for equality that Liberal Democrats take pride in.

On 17th July 2013 Royal Assent was given to the  'Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013' marking its passage into law, and giving same-sex partners the right to marry. Lynne Featherstone, then a Minister in the coalition Government, introduced the legislation and pioneered it through all the stages of Parliament, often in the face of signficant opposition from Conservative MPs. Indeed it is worth noting that at every stage of the legislative process a majority of Conservative MPs voted against it.

The Act came into force on 13th March 2014 and since its introduction hundreds-of-thousands of same sex couples have been married. It is a victory for equality that the Liberal Democrats take great pride in and celebrate on this 10th anniversary as 'Pride Month' begins.

"Lynne Featherstone's historic success in introducing this law is a real vindication of the value of voting for Liberal Democrats," commented Mark Wooding, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candiate in Central Devon. "As a political party fairness and equality are values that sit at the heart of our beliefs, and which we will always champion. On this tenth anniversary of the  legislation coming in to force it seems inconceivable that it was so controversial at the time. As Pride Month begins we celebrate this victory."

Mark Wooding concluded, "Pride Month is a huge celebration of all people's fundamental similarities, whilst allowing everyone to be unique in their own individual and fabulous way, and I'm delighted to wish everyone 'Happy Pride Month'"