Gay marriage 'key factor' in Tory Eastleigh defeat

The Coalition for Marriage says the Conservative Party's push for gay marriage was a "key factor" in their humiliating Eastleigh by-election loss.

The Tories were relegated to third place by UKIP, while the Lib Dems revelled in a win coming at the end of a week in which the headlines were dominated by the Chris Huhne court case and Lord Rennard scandal.

In 2010, UKIP scored just 3.5% of the vote in Eastleigh but this soared to 27% in Thursday's vote.

Gay marriage has divided the Conservative Party, with more MPs voting against the Bill than for it in the House of Commons last month.

Colin Hart, campaign director of C4M, said UKIP's success was "clear that natural Tory voters are deserting the party over gay marriage".

In the run-up to the by-election, C4M distributed 13,000 leaflets in the area explaining why they believe marriage should not be redefined and clarifying where each of the candidates stood on the issue.

"Voters in Eastleigh are angry that in a troubled economy the Government continues to pursue a marginal issue like gay marriage when living standards for families are falling," said Mr Hart.

"In 2010 none of the three main political parties had redefining marriage in their manifesto. UKIP's stunning second place result in this by-election should serve as a wake-up call to the Prime Minister."

News
School facing backlash over Easter cancelation says it will celebrate, just not at church
School facing backlash over Easter cancelation says it will celebrate, just not at church

A primary school in the United Kingdom that faced criticism for cancelling its traditional Easter bonnet parade and church service, has announced plans to continue celebrating Easter but not at a local church in order to ensure “inclusivity.”

Christians respond after devastating Myanmar earthquake
Christians respond after devastating Myanmar earthquake

Christian humanitarian organisations are mobilising quickly to provide relief following a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar and parts of Thailand on Friday. 

Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ to begin filming in Italy this August
Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ to begin filming in Italy this August

Mel Gibson is set to return to the director’s chair for The Resurrection of the Christ, the long-awaited sequel to The Passion of the Christ.

Christian challenge VAT on private schools: 'There are no winners with this legislation'
Christian challenge VAT on private schools: 'There are no winners with this legislation'

Seven families have challenged the new VAT on school fees, claiming it discriminates against Christians and children with special educational needs (SEN).