Adopt a Peer to Defend Marriage

The Marriage (Same Sex) Couples goes to the House of Lords next week.

It will be debated on Monday and Tuesday, and Lord Dear has indicated he will call for a vote, which will take place (at about 8pm, we think, on Tuesday)

We would be wise to “adopt a peer” and contact him/her by email, phone or letter, urging support for Lord Dear's efforts to oppose the bill. If you know a peer who is supportive of marriage and may be persuaded to vote against David Cameron’s marriage Bill, please contact him/her now.

Equally, if you don't have a personal connection with any peer, you can write to one or more of those on the attached list. (These are peers selected on the basis of their expressed support on same-sex marriage or previous voting on one or more pro-life/pro-family issues: the critical action is to get pro-marriage peers to turn up, stay up, and vote.)

Before you write, if you have not already done so, consider reading SPUC’s background paper on same-sex marriage, which can be found here and SPUC’s position paper on same-sex marriage, which can be found here.

You can also find useful information on the Coalition for Marriage website.

Please ask the peers to oppose the Marriage (Same Sex) Couples bill in the House of Lords.

Please write the letter in your own words - keeping it brief - one page or less. As a suggestion, include two or three of the following points:

1. The bill ignores the conscientious objection of registrars and chaplains, who may be forced to officiate in same-sex marriages against their conscience.

2. There is no clear mandate for this bill as it was not included in the manifestos of any of the three main political parties before the last General Election.

3. The bill will result in extensive legal complications, as has already been seen with the government’s proposed review of civil partnerships, and whether they should be extended to heterosexual couples. This will further weaken the institution of marriage.

4. Statistics show that 4 out of 5 abortions in this country currently take place on women who are not married. Therefore, traditional marriage, as an institution, is worth protecting.

5. Research shows that there are better outcomes, in terms of health and well-being, for children who are raised by their married, biological parents. I would be very grateful to receive copies of any responses that you receive from peers to help build a fuller picture of where they stand on this issue.

Also, pray for them!