Plans for gay marriage vote likely to get go-ahead before Christmas
A government go-ahead for plans for gay marriage is likely before Christmas, but Downing Street was reluctant to confirm reports that the vote in the Commons would be fast tracked and pushed through within a month.
It is likely the vote will be regarded as a conscience issue so ensuring there is a free vote that will see supporters of gay marriage win comfortably.
Some ministers believe it is a good idea to deal with the issue quickly rather than leave it as a running sore for many months, with opponents of gay marriage trying to build up momentum.
There is also a belief that with Christian evangelicals on the back foot over the vote on the ordination of women bishops it may be the right time to show they may have over-played their hand, and are in the minority in terms of public opinion.
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