Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has promised to force a new definition of marriage on the nation, whether the public likes it or not.
Mr Clegg made a video reiterating his commitment to changing the definition of marriage which was released yesterday.
The Westminster Government’s plans to introduce same-sex marriage have proved highly divisive.
Oppose
Last month Owen Paterson, the Northern Ireland Secretary, became the first Cabinet Minister to openly oppose the plans.
A number of other senior Conservatives, including the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, have also expressed reservations.
David Cameron has been forced to allow all Conservative MPs – including ministers – a free vote to ward off a rebellion.
Petition
And nearly 600,000 people have signed a petition, organised by the Coalition for Marriage, calling for marriage to remain the union of one man and one woman.
Mr Clegg recorded the video for Out4Marriage, a group campaigning to scrap the traditional definition of marriage.
He said: “We brought forward our proposals – they have provoked a heated debate.
Meaning
“But these are proposals about when and how to open up civil marriage to gay and lesbian couples. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ any more.”
Last week, the Church of England warned that the plans to redefine marriage would alter the meaning of marriage for everyone.
It also warned that the plans would plunge churches into legal chaos, and undermine the links between church and state – sparking a potential constitutional crisis.