Updated: Archbishop of Canterbury says he cannot support gay marriage bill

The Archbishop of Canterbury has spoken of his regret over the way homosexuals were treated by the Church in the past but has clarified in the House of Lords his continued opposition to legalising gay marriage.

Speaking in the House of Lords today, the Most Reverend Justin Welby said it was "essential" that faithful same-sex relationships be "supported with as much dignity and the same legal effect as marriage".

He said it was "absolutely true" that the Church had "often not served the LGBT communities in the way it should".

"I must express my sadness and sorrow for that considerable failure," he said.

However, the Archbishop went on to reiterate that he could not support legalising gay marriage. He said "considerable hesitations" remained over the content of the Marriage (Same-sex Couples) Bill.

"It confuses marriage and weddings. It assumes that the rightful desire for equality – to which I've referred supportively – must mean uniformity, failing to understand that two things may be equal but different. And as a result it does not do what it sets out to do," he said. Read more

Read also
New: Gay Marriage Faces House Of Lords Battle As Peers Force Vote
Gay marriage weakens society, says Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury: gay marriage bill will undermine family life
Campaigners praying outside Parliament during gay marriage debate