A poll from the Coalition for Marriage (C4M) has revealed mixed feelings among the public about changing the definition of marriage.
In a poll of more than 1,000 adults conducted by Comres, 51% of people agreed that “no one has the right to redefine marriage for the rest of us”.
Eighty-six per cent of people support the proposition that it is “possible to be tolerant of the rights of others and protective of traditional marriage at the same time”.
The C4M campaign group launched today and includes among its supporters the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, and Lord Brennan QC.
Lord Carey said that the institution of marriage would be weakened by making it available to same-sex couples.
“The British public hold marriage in great affection. Most of our young people aspire to be married," he said.
“I believe the general public will oppose the present attempt fundamentally to alter marriage.
"This is not because we oppose protections and benefits to gay couples, but because we simply don’t accept the mantra of the equalities industry that being equal means being the same."
The Government is to launch a consultation on redefining marriage in March and has indicated its support for the move.
Lord Carey spoke of his concern for the welfare of children if the change gets the go ahead.
“Under the Government’s plans marriage is set to become all about the human rights of adults," he said.
"The traditional meaning of marriage, which David Cameron rejects, is about the mutual good of both adults and their children.
