Following yesterday's vote on Same Sex Marriage I wanted to share with you my contribution to the debate. You can read my full speech here.

There are two extracts in particular I would like to share:

'I wholeheartedly believe that same-sex couples have as valid a relationship with their partner as do heterosexuals. I also believe that in the eyes of the state we all deserve to be treated equally.'

'I have deep sympathy with the hundreds of my constituents who fear that legislation for same-sex marriage will profoundly encroach—although this may be unintended —on their right to live according to their faith.'

When it came to the vote I registered a positive abstention, which meant voting in both the 'Aye' lobby and the 'No' lobby.

I would like to make clear that I fully support the lifelong commitment that is made between any loving couple and that I believe the legal basis of a same sex marriage should be no different to that of a heterosexual couple.