MP’s ‘equal rights’ bid to amend gay marriage Bill (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

MP’s ‘equal rights’ bid to amend gay marriage Bill

9:30am Monday 18th February 2013 in News By Telegraph & Argus

An MP is spearheading a bid for heterosexual couples to have the right to a civil partnership – in the same way as gay people.

Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland, said the change was essential if the controversial gay marriage Bill was to create “equal rights”.

And the Lib Dem warned he would not support the legislation unless ministers agreed to his amendment, tabled with two other MPs.

Mr Mulholland said: “As currently drafted, the Marriage Bill delivers neither of these. It is a confused and flawed piece of legislation that does not actually deliver equality.

“As it currently stands, it will lead to an unequal and unfair system that gives the option of civil partnerships to same-sex – but not opposite sex – couples. This is a significant flaw.”