I've read a lot of the answers to this question as I'm genuinely interested in people's views. I'm particularly glad to see that there's reasoned argument on both sides (some vitriol as well, but that's to be expected), as that's the only way to educate and to enable people to make up their own minds.

So what are my views? Well, it might interest you to know (or not) that I've been to a few civil partnership ceremonies since last December of some very close friends that I love dearly. There are at least another three in my diary to attend over the next year or so. I am happy that their love can be legally recognised, and that their legal rights are on an equal footing with heterosexual couples.

However...

I don't believe it should be called a "marriage" (and neither do most of my friends who have signed the register). Some of them have formed bonds lasting longer than many marriages - one such couple had been together 50 years - and had in many ways relished the fact that they had forged a lasting relationship without the bond of a conventional "marriage".

So whether you approve or don't approve, that's fine by me, as long as you know why, and can form a reasoned argument. It's not for anyone to tell you how to think or feel, and if your beliefs are strong enough to form an opinion, then I respect you for thinking for yourself.

I approve of people who love each other being a position to make their partnership legally binding, whether that's through a same sex partnership ceremony, or a religious ceremony. I believe this because I believe all people, everyone, everywhere, are equal - they have the right to love whoever they choose, and show it however they wish.

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