STUDENTS have vowed to keep talking with Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman over his views on legalising gay marriage.
Prime Minister David Cameron says he intends to change the law before 2015.
Veteran Labour MP Mr Sheerman, a committed Christian, is unconvinced over extending marriage rights to same sex couples.
Now Mr Sheerman has been lobbied by the University of Huddersfield’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Society.
The society collected 326 signatures on a petition at last month’s gay celebration event, Pink Picnic, at Greenhead Park, Huddersfield.
Society members recently met Mr Sheerman for a round-the-table discussion and presented him with the petition.
Society vice-president Jamie Fosbrook said he welcomed the opportunity to quiz Mr Sheerman.
“It was quite an informal meeting and Mr Sheerman asked us why we believed in equal rights for marriage,” he said.
“Mr Sheerman told us he was unsure and had been undecided either way, though – as a committed Christian – he supported equality in the Church for women.”
In May Mr Sheerman told the Examiner that equal rights for marriage was not a big issue for Huddersfield people.
He promised to listen to the arguments but added: “At the moment I don’t see a great pressure to go beyond civil partnerships.”
Jamie, 20, of Emley, said that while Mr Sheerman was “open to what we were saying” it would be difficult to change his mind.
“Mr Sheerman asked that we continue a dialogue with him and that is very positive,” said Jamie.
The society has also contacted two of the district’s other MPs, Tories Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) and Dewsbury’s Simon Reevell.
“So far we have heard back from Mr McCartney who supports equal rights for marriage and wants to meet us at the university.”
Jamie said the issue was about fairness and equal rights and was not just for the gay community.
The Home Office is currently consulting on a change in the law.
