Same sex marriages discussed

Carlisle's Conservative MP John Stevenson has met with religious leaders this morning to discuss gay marriage.

Mr Stephenson says that in a recent survey carried out by his office, around 80 percent of those who responded said they didn't want the introduction of same sex marriages, a view he shares.

The Government has promised an open vote on the issue in Westminster, which is expected to be later in the year. The Scottish Government has announced that gay marriage will be legalised there, with the first ceremonies expected to be in 2015.

The vote in Westminster is expected to split parties, especially the Conservatives. John Stevenson thinks that maintaining the current status quo, of civil partnerships for same sex couples and marriage reserved for mixed sex couples, is the best option.

The issue of same sex marriage is being discussed in Carlisle this morning.

The city's Conservative MP John Stevenson is meeting with religious leaders to get their views on the issue.

There were protests in York last year after the Archbishop there said he opposed the plans.