Despite all the changes in society, it remains the case that marriage is still seen as special. Nine out of 10 young people say that they want to get married.
Marriage not only enriches the life of the couple, it enriches society. When two people love one another, and are willing to make a lifelong commitment to each other, then society itself is strengthened.
It is precisely because marriage is such a uniquely important institution that we should ensure that all couples who want to enter into it, regardless of their sexuality, can do so.
Conservatives who believe in marriage should feel this most strongly. As David Cameron said to his own Party Conference, “I don’t support gay marriage despite being a Conservative; I support gay marriage because I’m a Conservative.”