Chief Minister criticises proposed amendments to Bill

The Chief Minister was among the most outspoken voices in a House of Keys debate on gay rights.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill was carried through its clauses stage yesterday (Tues).

A raft of controversial amendments, tabled by North Douglas MHK John Houghton, were defeated.

They would have provided an an 'opt out' for registrars who did not wish to perform same sex marriages, and the right for parents to exclude their children from school classes on the subject.

But Allan Bell was one of many to take issue with the proposals:

(play audio)