January 26, 2013: It is deeply regrettable but not unexpected that the Government
has chosen to proceed with introducing a Bill to change the definition of marriage.
Alongside many people of all faiths and none we will be vigorously opposing the Bill,
said Archbishop Peter Smith, Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
England and Wales. He was commenting on behalf of UK Bishops on same sex marriage
on Friday.
Marriage has an identity distinct from any other relationship, no
matter how much love or commitment may be involved. Marriage is and always has been
the union of one man and one woman, for love and mutual support, open to procreation.
Marriage has, over the centuries, been the enduring public recognition of this commitment
and it has rightly been recognised as unique and worthy of legal protection. It furthers
the common good of society because it promotes a unique relationship which benefits
children.
The fundamental problem with the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill
is that it will radically alter the meaning of marriage for everyone and therefore
undermine the common good. This is what is at stake. The Bill also raises very serious
questions especially about religious freedom and freedom of expression, the effect
on teaching in schools, and the work of chaplains and others with religious convictions
involved in the delivery of public services.
There is no electoral mandate
for this Bill and last year’s consultation process was shambolic. We welcome the
promise of a free vote for MPs, and hope the Bill will be defeated. We will be producing
a briefing on the Bill once we have studied it in detail with our legal advisers.