Editorial: David Cameron merits a pat on the back over gay marriage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The House of Commons debate about same-sex marriage was courteous, comprehensive and largely respectful. So it should be. The Bill before MPs represented a historic social change. And the conclusion reached was the right one: everyone must be treated equally before the law. The idea that sexual orientation should disbar some individuals from marriage was an outdated anomaly. History will adjudge the vote to be not just right but inevitable.
That said, the advance has not been politically easy. Although a decisive majority of the population are in favour of the reform, a significant minority of Conservative MPs fought hard against it. By insisting on pressing ahead in the teeth of such opposition, the Prime Minister has been accused of fiddling while Rome burns. Instead he should be congratulated on his clear judgement, his common decency and his leading from the front.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments