British Prime Minister David Cameron on
Saturday applauded as gay and lesbian couples began marrying in
England and Wales.
As a gay marriage law approved by
lawmakers last year came online, Cameron, also the leader of the
Conservative Party, cheered, saying the law would make Britain
stronger.
(Related: Gay
couples set to marry in Britain.)
“This weekend is an important moment
for our country. For the first time, the couples getting married
won’t just include men and women – but men and men; and women and
women,” Cameron said in an op-ed published in UK's PinkNews.
“Put simply, in Britain it will no longer matter whether you are
straight or gay – the State will recognise your relationship as
equal.”
“This is something that has been very
important to me. I have been so lucky to find the most incredible
lifelong partner in Sam and our marriage has been a very special part
of the commitment we have made to each other. Of course any marriage
takes work, requires patience and understanding, give and take –
but what it gives back in terms of love, support, stability and
happiness is immeasurable. That is not something that the State
should ever deny someone on the basis of their sexuality. When
people’s love is divided by law, it is the law that needs to
change.”
“The introduction of same-sex civil
marriage says something about the sort of country we are. It says we
are a country that will continue to honour its proud traditions of
respect, tolerance and equal worth. It also sends a powerful message
to young people growing up who are uncertain about their sexuality.
It clearly says 'you are equal' whether straight or gay. That is so
important in trying to create an environment where people are no
longer bullied because of their sexuality – and where they can
realise their potential, whether as a great mathematician like Alan
Turing, a star of stage and screen like Sir Ian McKellen or a
wonderful journalist and presenter like Clare Balding.”
“Together we should be proud to live
in a country judged to be the best place to live in Europe if you are
lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. But we should equally be far from
complacent about the challenges that remain – and I am just as
committed as ever to working with you to challenge attitudes and
stamp-out homophobic bullying and hate crimes.”
“We are a nation that is growing
stronger economically because of our long term economic plan. But I
hope we can also be a country that is growing stronger socially
because we value love and commitment equally. Let us raise a toast
to that – and all those getting married this weekend.”