The side line to this this thread can now be put to an end.

The Queen signed the gay marriage bill yesterday giving it Royal ascent, signing it into law.

Discussion of the merits or otherwise of gay marriage now have the legal as well as moral status of debating the pros and cons of mixed race or disabled marriage.

Not being gay myself, I can't begin to comprehend the joy and relief but empathy is a nice tool to have in the old armoury.