**No matter who you are and who you love, we are all equal.
MPs have supported David Cameron's plan to allow gay marriage by a majority of 225 votes, despite an estimated 139 Tories defying the Prime Minister.
The House of Commons voted by 400 to 175 to give the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill a second reading after a debate on the issue heard from several Tories who argued the move would undermine marriage, alienate voters and damage the party's election prospects.
Former minister Tim Loughton told Sky News after the vote that the opposition was not about Mr Cameron's leadership.
"It is all about a conscience issue about gay marriages where many of us have very considerable concerns about the nature of this legislation, the flaws in this legislation and what it is trying to do."
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg called the vote "a landmark for equality".
"Tonight's vote shows Parliament is very strongly in favour of equal marriage," he said.
"No matter who you are and who you love, we are all equal. Marriage is about love and commitment, and it should no longer be denied to people just because they are gay."
Less than two hours before the vote, Mr Cameron recorded a statement defending the bill.
"Today is an important day. I am a strong believer in marriage. It helps people commit to each other and I think it is right that gay people should be able to get married too," he said.
"This is, yes, about equality. But it is also about making our society stronger.
"I know there are strong views on both side of the argument - I accept that. But I think this is an important step forward for our country." - Sky News!
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