Isle of Man Same Sex Marriage Bill amendments 'unacceptable'

Allan Bell said the issue of same-sex marriage will be debated in the parliament of Tynwald during 2016 following the public consultation

Proposed amendments to the Isle of Man's Same Sex Marriage Bill have been labelled "completely unacceptable" by Chief Minister Allan Bell.

The amendments tabled by North Douglas MHK John Houghton include giving registrars the right to opt out of performing same-sex ceremonies.

He also wants parents to have the right to take their children out of classes which teach about gay marriage.

Mr Bell said it is a "throwback to the dark, dark days of the 1980s".

He added: "To ban or give parents the right to take their children out of classes because they are teaching about gay marriage is quite astonishing.

"It is a throwback to the dark, dark days of the 1980s when Mrs (Margaret) Thatcher brought in Section 28 which banned so-called promotion of homosexuality in schools."

Mr Houghton's amendments will be debated in the House of Keys on Tuesday.

Mr Houghton, 56, was one of four MHKs to vote against the Same Sex Marriage Bill during its second reading.

He told constituents his amendments are designed to "provide protection for persons who wish to have their own freedom to opt- ut of participation if they wish".

Homosexuality was only decriminalised on the Isle of Man in 1992 - a quarter of a century later than in England and Wales.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill is based on the same legal framework introduced in England two years ago and would enable couples to marry in a civil ceremony or, subject to agreement, in a religious ceremony.

Manx politicians will debate the amendments in the House of Keys on Tuesday.