Members of Parliament should be given a free vote when they consider legislation on the introduction of gay marriage, the Archbishop of Southwark has said.Archbishop Peter Smith said the issue was a matter of conscience: "The government's proposal to change the definition of marriage is a profound legal reform. What is at stake is the meaning of marriage for everyone, and it is important politicians are free to express and act on their own principled view."
Last week it emerged that Conservative MPs would be given a free vote on gay marriage.
Nick Clegg said last Sunday that his Liberal Democrat MPs will be ordered to vote in favour of gay marriage when the matter comes to parliament.