In a historic step forward for freedom and fairness, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill cleared the Lords unopposed on Monday and was passed by MPs yesterday, paving the way for it to become law.
The Bill united political leaders across party divides, showing that respect for fundamental rights runs deeper than the ebb and flow of party politics.
Real fears were aired about religious freedom but we hope that faith groups have been reassured that their freedom of belief is protected.
On Monday supportive Peers wore pink carnations and spoke about the sheer number of people that had contacted them on the issue. Some voiced deeply personal thanks like Lord Alli, who told the House: "As a gay man over those 15 years you have changed my life. You have given me dignity where there was sometimes fear. You have given me hope where there was often darkness and you have given me equality where there was sometimes prejudice.”
Yesterday’s decision will change attitudes and speak volumes to younger generations. But sadly there’s also a less positive legacy. As the Bill heads towards the statute book it does so with one inequality remaining - same sex couples in civil partnerships and now those who choose to marry won’t be afforded the same survivor pension rights as their straight counterparts.
We lobbied hard to get this final inequality addressed, gathering support from trade unions and 38 degrees. We took John Walker’s case to the courts, successfully arguing that his partner was entitled to the same pension benefits as would have been afforded had John married a woman.
Yet the Government still refused to right this wrong. While they’ve agreed to review the issue and report back before 1 July 2014, we can’t help but feel their reluctance to impose this change. They claim pension providers might struggle to cope with the financial burden. But this can’t compare to the burden on a grieving partner whose financial security is lessened because of who they decided to love.
We’ll continue to urge the Government to be true to their promise of equality, but today brings us a big step closer to freedom and fairness and, for that reason, there is much to celebrate.
