Lib Dems to ‘honour’ gay marriage pledge

Voting on gay marriage should not be left to MPs’ consciences, Nick Clegg said yesterday.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader said his MPs would back legislation legalising same-sex marriages – unlike some of their coalition partners.

Tory MPs will be allowed a free vote to avoid a rebellion from Tory MPs and ministers opposed to the issue.

But Mr Clegg said: “We are not asking any person with religious convictions to sacrifice anything.

“We are simply saying those who want to show a lifelong commitment to each other should be able to do so.”

The Deputy Prime Minister said it was up to Prime Minister David Cameron whether he forced Conservative MPs to support the measure, but vowed Lib Dems would “honour what we have said as a party”.