Conservative politician Andrea Leadsom has told PinkNews she would be “happy” to see same-sex marriage in churches – in response to coverage referencing her poor LGBT rights record.
While running for the Conservative Party leadership last year, Ms Leadsom admitted in an interview that she “didn’t like” the same-sex marriage law – claiming it “harms” Christians.
She had suggested that gay couples should have remained barred but allowed to enter civil partnerships, as they were in the UK between 2004 and 2014.
But Ms Leadsom, now a Cabinet minister and the Leader of the House of Commons, told PinkNews this week that despite her concerns about faith she would be “happy” to see same-sex couples marry in church.
She said: “My decision [to abstain on the 2013 equal marriage bill] related specifically to the legislation around registry offices and churches, and the way in which the Christian faith recognises marriage.
“I have always been clear that I believe the love of same-sex couples is just as important, and indeed equal, as the love of heterosexual couples.
“I would be very happy to see same-sex couples married in a church, but that is a matter for the Church of England.
“I am proud to live in a country that recognises equality for all.”
Her comments go further than the position stated by Theresa May, who has never clarified whether she supports religious same-sex marriage.
Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow previously called on the Church of England to embrace same-sex unions.
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