the only reason MP's are p*ssy-footing around the subject is voter statistics.
(the following figures are all speculative)
lets say 33% of voters are religious and against gay marriage by default.
22.3% are non religious and AGAINST gay marriage
22.3% are non religious and FOR gay marriage
22.3% are non religious and DON'T CARE either way.
that's an average of approximately 50% in either direction, so whatever they (MP's) do, they're between a rock and a hard place. so it will be discussed until discussion is exhausted and then it will be someone else's turn to decide.
civil union's are better than marriage anyway, all the same rights but no divorce action. best of both worlds. and a civil union can be as extravagant as you want, and exactly like a church wedding, just without the churches blessing. and why should the church bless a marriage that goes against its doctrine?
no disrespect, but you can't be gay and a christian.
I am in no way 'anti-gay'. i am however anti pointless-waste-of-tax-payers-money. gay marriage needs no discussion, it's a decision for the church, not the government. i see it simply as another bunch of mooshtacs with a bee in their bonnet and too much time on there hands.
don't get me started on the page 3 poll or the public inquiry into the Mark Duggan shooting.