David Cameron, British Prime Minister, Backs Gay Marriage

British Prime Minister Reveals Controversial Gay Marriage Stance

British Prime Minister David Cameron says he supports same-sex marriage, but says he would not force religious groups and churches to hold ceremonies for LGBT couples.

"I'm in favor of gay marriage, because I'm a massive supporter of marriage, and I don't want gay people to be excluded from a great institution," Cameron said in a new interview with Channel 4 News, before going on to note that religious leaders should still maintain the right to deny a marriage ceremony to a same-sex couple.

As the news channel points out, Cameron's Conservative Party is expected to draft a bill and hold a free vote for MPs in 2013 that would allow same-sex marriages in religious institutions. Ministers will apparently reveal their response to a consultation next week, according to the BBC.

Nonetheless, Cameron's statement has angered a number of Tory MPs, who have opposed marriage equality in the past. Among them was Bob Blackman, who told BBC News he anticipated "outrage throughout the country" in response to Cameron's statement.

"Marriage is between one man and one woman and so changes to the definition of marriage are not appreciated and not strongly supported," he is quoted as saying.

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