WORD ON THE STREET: What the people of King’s Lynn think about gay marriage
Lorna Booth, 34, and Clare Barlow, 33, who joined in a civil partnership in Lynn in 2012
Politicians have voted in favour of allowing gay couples to marry and all the shoppers we spoke to in Lynn this week agreed it was the right decision.
The vote in the House of Commons in favour of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill was won by a majority of 225, with 400 MPs in favour and 175 opposed.
The decision means the majority of MPs are in favour of the principle, which will now have to undergo more detailed parliamentary scrutiny.
If it becomes law, the bill will enable same-sex couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies – provided there is consent from religious institutions.
Gay couples have had the right to form a legal union through civil partnerships since 2004. Civil partnerships were designed to offer the same legal rights as marriage but some people believe it does not enjoy the same status.
Maria Lynch, 34, a full-time mum of High Road, Islington, said: “I’m for it. I think times have changed so massively. Everybody has got the right to be happy. There are already civil partnerships and I think there should be the right for it to be called marriage.”
Craig Owens, 28, a financial advisor, of Littleport, said: “I think it has taken far too long. The MPs who are coming out to say they are against it are very brave – they are showing themselves to be very bigoted to a lot of people. There is no place in our world for treating people differently.”
Sarah Phillipson, 40, a shop assistant, of Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Lynn, said: “I can’t see why gay people shouldn’t be allowed to be married. It should be up to the individual. If they are happy that is the main thing.”
Stephanie Barker, 26, a coffee shop worker, of Hillen Road, South Lynn, said: “I think it is a brilliant idea. More people are more accepting these days.”
Catherine Griggs, 25, a stay-at-home mum, of St Edmundsbury Road, North Lynn, said: “It is all about equal opportunities. Gay people are just the same as everybody else and should be allowed to do what everyone else can do.”
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Weather for King's Lynn
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
