TUC calls on MPs not to exempt public officials from recognising equal marriage

date: 20 May 2013

embargo: For immediate release

As amendments to the Equal Marriage Bill are discussed in parliament today (Monday), the TUC has called on MPs not to exempt public officials from recognising equal marriage.

TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'Amendments have been tabled to exempt teachers and others in public roles from supporting equal marriage. If MPs vote to accept this, it would undermine many of the positive aspects of the Bill.

'Members should focus instead on supporting amendments that will allow same sex couples in occupational pension schemes to be given the same rights as everybody else, as well as making civil partnerships available for straight couples.

'Voting these measures through would strike a real blow for equality.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The TUC's campaign plan can be downloaded from www.tuc.org.uk/campaignplan

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @tucnews

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Alex Rossiter T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07887 572130 E: arossiter@tuc.org.uk