UK MP and Liberal Democrat defence secretary Vince Cable pledges to vote in favour of marriage equality despite personally feeling the current civil partnership system is fine.
In response to a letter from one of his constituent, Dr Cable wrote: “On the issue of same–sex marriage, my own personal view is that the status quo is fine, with same–sex couples being able to commit in a civil partnership. However, if there is a confrontation over the issue it is difficult to explain why a civil partnership cannot be called a civil marriage and if it comes to a vote I would vote in favour of same–sex civil marriage.”
This move comes hot on the heals of a conformation from the Liberal Democrat leader and deputy prime minister Nick Clegg that his MPs will be told to support the marriage legislation when it comes before the UK Parliament.
This is positive news for marriage equality in the UK where there is a real possibility of equal civil marriage before the end of this parliament. However not everyone is happy with Cables comments. The deeply homophobic and anti-equality group the Coalition for Marriage, claimed Dr Cable’s letter demonstrated a “sense of unease” that the measure would have “serious repercussions on ordinary people, schools, institutions like churches and charities that oppose the change”. Although what those serious repercussions are remain unclear and totally without foundation.
The war for equality continues, however it looks like the battle is almost won!
