MPs want to force the Church of England to allow same-sex weddings

A group of MPs have launched a bid to force the Church of England to conduct same-sex weddings in its churches.

A ten-minute rule motion seeks support for a bill to "enable clergy of the Church of England to conduct same-sex marriages".

It has been brought by Labour MP Ben Bradshaw and is co-sponsored by a further five Labour and Conservative politicians.

The proposal states that same-sex weddings should be permitted in church “in certain circumstances” but not if an officiant objected.

Bradshaw will have ten minutes to present his proposal to parliament but it is unlikely to have to progress further.

The Church of England has said it "possible for legislation concerning the Church of England to be made by Act of Parliament”.

But it notes a "convention that parliament will not legislate for the internal affairs of the Church of England without its consent.”

Rev Dr Ian Paul, an evangelical member of the Church of England synod, described the move as “sabre rattling” by Bradshaw.

He added: “Just think which countries in the world allow the secular state to dictate religious belief. It’s not a pretty list.”