What I find most interesting about the policy is that this appears to be the very first proposed law which has completely avoided even the remotest semblance of democracy. It wasn't mentioned in the Conservative, Lib Dem, or even Labour manifestos at the last election, but then we've become used to such documents being about as important as Andrex these days since the last government went to court to defend their right to mislead the electorate.
However, gay marriage within the auspices of a church is - as far as I am aware - the first major government policy which has not only not been voted on by the public, but which has also not been subject to proper government consultation. In fact, it was specifically stated that this was not an option (page 8, point 2.5). I expect this blog's official theologian will have an expert view on that.
If installed, it would be our first democracy-free piece of primary legislation (not SI), decided purely on the say-so of 650 privileged individuals in the Westminster politburo. It's the way of the future, obviously.
Or is there a precedent where our slippery state bastards honed their comprehensive public-avoiding skills? Go on, tell me I'm wrong.
