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Date set for gay marriage vote

The date has been announced when MPs will be able to vote on the Government's controversial same-sex marriage bill. MPs will be able to vote when the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill has its second reading in the House of Commons on February 5.

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Church of England not asking for 'special treatment'

Church representatives have met Culture Secretary Maria Miller to discuss the proposals of the same-sex marriage bill.

Sir Tony Baldry, Second Church Estates Commissioner, said there are key issues that need to be discussed, involving the Church of England.

The Church of England isn't asking for any special treatment or protection under this legislation, the issue is simply that the Bill should be drafted to ensure that the Church of England has the same freedoms as all other churches and denominations to decide these matters for itself.

Of course that has to reflect the somewhat unique legal position of the Church of England.

Tory former minister Sir Peter Bottomley said "nobody in the Church of England ought to be worried about same-sex people having the same opportunity of marrying as those who are of opposite sex.

– Sir Tony Baldry, Second Church Estates Commissioner

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