British lawmakers vote in favor of gay marriage

British lawmakers voted in favor of controversial legislation allowing gay marriage on Tuesday, February 5, despite fierce opposition from members of Prime Minister David Cameron’s own party. Voting 400-175, the vote puts Britain on track to join the ten countries that allow same-sex couples to marry. But to become a law it still needs to clear votes at the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Cameron had allowed lawmakers a free vote on the issue, meaning they were not directed by party managers. Speaking before the vote, Cameron said: “Today is an important day. I am a strong believer in marriage, it helps people commit to each other, and I think it is right that gay people should be able to get married too.

Read more about the controversial legislation on Rappler.