Same-sex marriage votes (England and Wales)

The details

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill introduced same-sex ‘marriage’ in England and Wales.

A vote on the Second Reading or the Third Reading of a Bill is a vote on the Bill in principle.

On 5 February 2013 MPs voted on the general principle of the Bill at its Second Reading. MPs voted for the Bill by 397 votes to 172. Five MPs deliberately abstained at Second Reading.

On 21 May 2013 MPs again voted on the on the general principle of the Bill at its Third Reading. MPs voted by 361 to 156 for the Bill. Seven MPs deliberately abstained at Third Reading.

MPs had liberty to vote according to their conscience. However, there were reports of pressure being put on MPs behind the scenes.

How we recorded the votes

• Voted against Second Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill
• Voted for Second Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill
• Abstained or was absent on the vote for Second Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill
• Abstained deliberately on the vote for Second Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill
• Voted against Third Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill
• Voted for Third Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill
• Abstained or was absent on the vote for Third Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill
• Abstained deliberately on the vote for Third Reading of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill