As the Government finally publishes its Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill to introduce equal marriage, Stonewall has urged supporters in England and Wales to write to their MPs calling on them to support the measure when it is debated on 5 February.
In December, an Ipsos MORI poll found 73 per cent of people in Britain support equal marriage, but Stonewall has warned supporters against complacency and urged straight people to join the campaign for equality too.
A YouGov poll for Stonewall’s Living Together report last year also showed a clear majority of people in Britain support equal marriage, including three in five people of faith and over 80 per cent of people under the age of 50. Stonewall’s campaign website at www.stonewall.org.uk/marriage gives supporters a range of resources to help them campaign for equality.
Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill said: ‘Sadly the minority of people who oppose equal marriage consistently use mistruths and smears to argue against it. Supporters of this modest measure mustn’t let a vocal minority block equality. People must write to, tweet, email or call their MPs to ask them for their support before the Bill’s Second Reading debate on 5 February.
‘We need straight people with lesbian or gay friends or relatives to stand up for their rights too. Equality benefits everyone, which is why we need every supporter to press MPs to vote for it. Our message is simple. Speak now, or forever hold your peace.’