Bradshaw criticises Churches as gay marriage vote divides Devon's Tory MPs

“I read this debate with interest, as an "older" gay woman in a civil partnership. I very much disagree with the opinions that jennyplym reports from her gay clientele -- I do not at all feel that my civil partnership makes me feel "special", I take the view that it was a political fudge that was undesirable but necessary at the time to get the legislation passed at all. I'd far rather simply be described in law as "married" to my partner, and I do use the term "married" when describing my status to friends. I don't want to be inferior to heterosexual couples, nor do I want to be "special" (ha ha) -- I want to be EQUAL. Oh, and I also agree with raggetyanne: I _don't_ want to be in something described as a "gay marriage", just a _marriage_ -- that's what equality means. Everyone should indeed be equal, and yes, that certainly includes the right to cohabit without getting married if that's what the couple want.

Perhaps jennyplym's straw poll reflects a demographic -- maybe pub/club-going gay people (and would those be mostly men, I wonder?) tend to think differently to me, or maybe it's an age thing; I certainly don't know many middle-aged gay women who are much into pubs and clubs!

I do however agree completely that Cameron's espousal of the "gay marriage cause" is indeed just a cynical attempt to make the Nasty Party seem less nasty. But then I also happen to be a wheelchair user and a recipient of Disability Living Allowance (but for how much longer?) so the supposedly Not So Nasty Anymore image of the Tories cuts no ice with me!”

“Jennyplym

You gave an opinion - which now I know is based on your experience of running gay clubs. I was offering m opinion based on the many gay people I know and have spoken to over the years. Yes civil partnerships did give the same legal rights as marriage but it is still differentiated by how it is described.

Perhaps those attending your clubs are younger and for that reason they may not want to marry - many heterosexual couples do not marry these day but they have always had the option of doing so. Gay people have not and all those I have ever met have wanted equality - even though they may not themselves wish to get married. As you said your "straw poll" is not scientific so you cannot say that I am wrong you can only only state your experience - just as I have done and as you can see my experience is very different from yours.”

“Well Tattygrass your wrong I own and run gay pubs in Wiltshire London and the South East they tell me they fear a backlash and were more than happy with Civil Partnerships and a straw poll I asked do you feel Married NO we are in a Civil Partnership was the answer. Would you get Married now out 14 couples only one said yes. Not I agree scientific I agree it would nice if the Gay Community had a referendum to see just how many agree with you.
Civil Partnerships already give the same legal rights as married people anyway.

Oh Jonnydale you are so so wrong. I have reflected what my customers have said to me from 3 pubs and one night club all Gay. The reason I bought my Establishments was because my own son is gay, and 20yrs ago wanted a safe warm welcoming environment to meet and enjoy.

I never really thought until recently just how bigotted some gay people are and how they like to stiffle any debate very sad. Thankfully my customers are not.”

“jennyplym:
"...Many gay people fear a huge backlash from this..." - No thats you projecting. You obviously hope for a huge backlash. Thankfully the overwhelming majority in society are not like you.”

“Jennyplym

Most of my gay friends would have got married rather than "civil partnershipped" (what a mouthfull!) had they been able to. They do not feel somehow special because "Straights can't have a civil partnership". They consider themselves "married" and want to be able to use this term knowing that legally, that is what they are. Also none of them fear a huge backlash because of this but are very pleased that at last they too will be able to marry the person they are in love with.

This IS about equality!”

“Most of my Gay friends feel this is unnecessary, and are more than Happy with Civil Partnerships as one said Straights cant have a civil partnership so it makes it all the more special, another gay friend said if this about Equality then why can't straight couples have a civil partnership. Many gay people fear a huge backlash from this and feel this will set them back 40 years within society.

I am surprised so many have been hoodwinked by Cameron, this is not about Equality, this is about him Cameron trying to detoxify the Tory Brand from the Nasty party, sadly with how they are treating the genuine sick and Disabled they are now known as the Very Nasty party. This was not in any Manifestoe most people 70% are not interested, I'd rather they fix the Economy than waste time on this, sadly they have all proved just how inept they are. as for Coalitions in future they should have a time limit of 2 yrs max and be just a caretaker Government and not be able to make huge changes and laws without a mandate first past the post is this Countries way, Cameron must remember he LOST the Election of 2010. He is only there thanks to the self serving Lib Dooms.”

“the only sad thing is that it is being called 'gay marriage'......how about just letting two people in love having equal rights to enter into marriage, everyone should be equal”

“the only sad thing is that it is being called 'gay marriage'......how about just letting two people in love having equal rights to enter into marriage, everyone should be equal”