The Coalition for Marriage has recently been crowing about the results of a ComRes poll[1] it commissioned, which, according to a letter sent to CfM supporters, shows that “David Cameron’s decision to redefine marriage seems set to hurt the Conservative Party’s electoral chances in the European elections.”
In fact the poll shows that the recent pioneering measure by the Conservatives to equalise marriage in England and Wales was the least relevant factor for voters in their choice not to vote Conservative.
The poll offered respondent five reasons why they would not vote Conservative at the European elections ranging from policies on Europe to “David Cameron’s determination to legalise gay marriage”.
Equal marriage scored by far the lowest result of the five, with only 28% giving it as a reason why they would not vote Conservative.
Colm Howard-Lloyd Chairman of LGBTory, the Conservative Party’s affiliated LGBT group reacted to the poll, saying:
“While it’s disappointing that just over a quarter of the 2000 people surveyed cite equal marriage as one of the reasons not to vote Conservative, it’s worth remembering that nearly 7 in 10 Britons[2] believe that same sex-couples should have the right to marry. I’m sure when the time comes that voters will reward David Cameron for his commitment to equality.”
[1] http://www.comres.co.uk/polls/C4M_European_Voting_Intention_Poll_15_May_2014.pdf
[2] http://www.ipsos-mori.com/researchpublications/researcharchive/3371/Dramatic-change-in-attitudes-towards-gay-couples.aspx