Gay rights legend Peter Tatchell has met with Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone MP to urge the government to review its ban on gay marriage.
He and other queer campaigners convened with Featherstone yesterday at the House of Commons to discuss the possibility of granting civil partnerships a religious content.
"The coalition government should undertake a public consultation to determine whether the ban on gay marriage ought to be lifted," Tatchell argued.
"It should invite representations from individuals and organisations and, on the basis of the submissions received, decide if the ban should stay or go.
"Maintaining the ban without considering public opinion is unreasonable and unjustified."
Fetherstone argued that the Government needs to take one step at a time, before pointing out ongoing progress, citing the result of Lord Alli's successful amendment to the Equality Bill this year which permits religious bodies to conduct civil partnerships if they wish.