John Thurso explains stance on gay marriage

The Lib Dem MP’s failure to vote at certain stages has been queried by letter writers in the Northern Times. He has now made public a lengthy letter of explanation to his critics, detailing how he voted on various amendments and new clauses and why. However, he voted in favour of the overall bill.

John Thurso, a Christian, says he still believes holy matrimony within the church is a compact between a man and a woman.

But he writes: “I have come to the conclusion that the protections afforded to faith groups are sufficient for me and other Christians to practise our faith. Further, it is right for society to recognise the aspirations of people of different sexual orientations who wish to express their commitment to each other through civil marriage. I therefore decided to vote in favour of the bill.

“I have sought to do what I think is right and I hope people will recognise that I have done my best to think this through,” he said.

n See letters, Page 11.