Lib Dem Leader speaks up for same-sex marriage

2.22.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 4th Jul 2009

Clegg: "until same sex marriage is permitted it is impossible to claim gay and straight couples are treated equally"

Liberal Democrats party leader Nick Clegg MP in an article published today says, "although civil partnerships have been a step forward, until same sex marriage is permitted it is impossible to claim gay and straight couples are treated equally".

He adds, "I am determined that the Liberal Democrats will remain outspoken and steadfast in our defence of gay rights, from backing same sex marriage to stopping the deportation of gay asylum seekers to countries were homosexuality is punishable by death. There has been much progress in recent years, and much to celebrate. But as long as homophobia still rears its ugly head in workplaces, in classrooms, and even in the home - politicians must continue to speak out in favour of the values of gay rights. For me, it is quite simply one of the touchstones of what a liberal society should be: open, tolerant and free of prejudice."