Sitting on the fence

My MP has just replied to the letter I wrote recently.

Here is what he has to say:

Thank you for contacting me about the consultation on equal civil marriage. I understand that this is a contentious issue and one that you feel very strongly about and I have read your concerns carefully. Civil marriage is an issue that, on reflection, I personally would have preferred not to have been raised at this time.

That said, the Conservative Party are not proposing to make anybody do anything that goes against their conscience. Religious organisations will not be forced to host same-sex marriages. Indeed, current proposals would make it illegal for any religious organisation to conduct a same-sex marriage in a place of worship.

The Prime Minister, as you are aware supports equal civil marriage, on the grounds of the importance of commitment in strengthening our society. But the Government has rightly consulted widely on this issue before making any changes to the current position.

The consultation included a question asking people whether they agree or disagree with enabling all couples, regardless of their gender, to have a civil marriage ceremony.

I will be reviewing the outcome of the consultation closely before coming to my own conclusions on this issue although I have to say that I am much reassured by the Government’s insistence that this proposal will have no effect on religious marriage.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

With best wishes,

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It seems to me that he is sitting on the fence.

It also seems to me that he failed to address most of the issues raised in my letter.

I will write again - and keep you in the picture.

I will also encourage others to write: a heavy mailbag may pull him off the fence in the desired direction...