Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Simon Hughes has predicted that gay marriage will become a reality by the next general election.
Openly-bisexual Hughes made the remarks in an interview with website Yoosk.
He
said: "It would be appropriate in Britain in 2010, 2011, for there to
be the ability for civil marriage for straight people and gay people
equally.
"That's different of course from faith ceremonies
which are matters for the faith communities... they have to decide what
recognition to give.
"The state ought to give equality. We're halfway there. I think we ought to be able to get there in this parliament."
Currently, gay and lesbian couples can only form a union defined as a civil partnership.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has long advocated for marriage equality. At this month's Pride London he said: "The Prime Minister of his country takes it for granted that he can mary his wife.
"We've got civil partnerships, but they are not equality. We want
the right for same-sex couples to get married just like their straight
friends.
"We want equality that is non-negotiable. We want marriage equality and we want it now!"
.
