Scottish Catholic Observer

The Prime Minister claimed ‘commitment’ in relationships should be valued regardless of whether it involved ‘a man and a woman, a woman and a woman, or a man and another man.’

However Archbishop Peter Smith of Southwark said that marriage could only be between a man and a woman.

Speaking to the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, yesterday Mr Cameron said his government was planning to hold a consultation on legalising marriage between homosexuals.

“To anyone who has reservations, I say: Yes, it’s about equality, but it’s also about something else: commitment,” the Prime Minister said. “Conservatives believe in the ties that bind us; that society is stronger when we make vows to each other and support each other. So I don’t support gay marriage despite being a Conservative. I support gay marriage because I’m a Conservative.”

Archbishop Smith responded by saying the state must not attempt to redefine marriage.

“Whilst we welcome the Prime Minister’s support of marriage, family life and especially the care of children, the proposed redefinition of marriage cannot be right,” he said. “Marriage by its very nature is between a man and a woman and it is the essential foundation of family life. The state should uphold this common understanding of marriage rather than attempting to change its meaning.”

Bishop Kieran Conry of Arundel and Brighton, warned that Mr Cameron would not be given ‘an easy ride on this’ issue.

“I think the Church will have to do something. We can’t just let this slide by and say we are not interested,” he said. “It is the question of protecting the particular, specific institution of marriage and its specific character as the permanent union of a man and a woman who would then bring up their own children.”