Party Politics ahead of Somerset on Lib Dem agenda (22/01/03)

At the Somerset County Council meeting on 22 January the Lib Dem administration forced through a new policy to introduce civil 'commitment' ceremonies in Somerset.Conservatives voted unanimously against this proposal whilst seeking to refer the matter to a policy panel to allow proper examination of all the issues involved as well as the implications and to allow time for the residents of Somerset to contribute and give their views.

Elaine Waymouth, the Conservative Group spokesman for Care and Safety and Councillor for Staplegrove felt that at this stage the rights and responsibilities of same sex couples needs to be addressed separately from that of heterosexual couples. Heterosexual couples do have a choice - they can get married. All statistics show that children brought up within a marriage have the best start and long term potential within society. She said,' As adults the decision to marry is the most critical and we would all benefit from more pre-marriage counselling - more thought is often given to the wedding itself than the life ahead.'

Caroline Smeaton, Conservative County Councllor for Upper Tone said,' The motion is premature. It is still being debated at Westminster. The proposed ceremony will have no legal status and as such could be misleading to participants.How are such ' commitments' to be disbanded?'

Christopher Wolverson, Leader on the Conservative Group and Councillor for the Lydeard Division welcomed the debate which raised important social and moralconcerns. He said,' I recognise that life styles are changing but I am not yet convinced of the value of this ceremony. Hence my proposal to get a policy panel to to consider all the factsand to listen to what residents felt. It is disappointing that this opportunity to hear to what people really think is being not given to the residents of Somerset..'