We can treat difference without discrimination

What’s wrong with difference? Nothing. It’s natural, a reality; we cannot deny it. Same sex and heterosexual couples are not the same so treating them differently is not discriminatory.

In civil partnership, which is closely akin to marriage, the life-long commitment of same sex couples is treated with dignity and respect. The Family Relationship Bill extends their rights.

Marriage for heterosexual couples is nature’s design, where a father and mother with a lifelong commitment to each other raise their children, each bringing a different dimension to their lives. Our constitution recognises this family and gives it special support. It is natural also that the ideal is not always achieved. Then other arrangements are needed.