This weekend is an important moment for our country. For
the first time, the couples getting married won’t just include men and
women – but men and men; and women and women. After all the campaigning -
not least by readers of PinkNews - we will at last have equal marriage in our
country. Put simply, in Britain it will no longer matter whether you are
straight or gay – the State will recognise your relationship as
equal.
This is something that has been very important to me. I
have been so lucky to find the most incredible lifelong partner in Sam and our
marriage has been a very special part of the commitment we have made to each
other. Of course any marriage takes work, requires patience and understanding,
give and take - but what it gives back in terms of love, support, stability and
happiness is immeasurable. That is not something that the State should ever
deny someone on the basis of their sexuality. When people’s love is
divided by law, it is the law that needs to change.
The
introduction of same-sex civil marriage says something about the sort of
country we are. It says we are a country that will continue to honour its proud
traditions of respect, tolerance and equal worth. It also sends a powerful
message to young people growing up who are uncertain about their sexuality. It
clearly says ‘you are equal’ whether straight or gay. That is so
important in trying to create an environment where people are no longer bullied
because of their sexuality - and where they can realise their potential,
whether as a great mathematician like Alan Turing, a star of stage and screen
like Sir Ian McKellen or a wonderful journalist and presenter like Clare
Balding.
We
are a nation that is growing stronger economically because of our long term
economic plan. But I hope we can also be a country that is growing stronger
socially because we value love and commitment equally. Let us raise a toast to
that - and all those getting married this weekend.