THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT wants to legalise same-sex marriage before the next General Election in 2015.

Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone announced the Government’s wish to legislate for same-sex marriages at the Liberal Democrats’ annual conference in Birmingham today.

According to Sky News, a public consultation will be held on how to make equal civil marriage available to same-sex couples.

“We will be working closely with all those who have an interest in the area to understand their views ahead of the formal consultation,” she said.

The consultation will begin in March 2012, reports gay news website PinkPaper.com.

It will not cover religious marriage but earlier this year, the Government said that religious buildings could host civil partnership registrations. That decision depends on the discretion of the particular religious group.

Rumours had been floating around Twitterland yesterday about the announcement, with one BBC correspondent revealing that the proposals have been personally endorsed by the Prime Minister David Cameron.

Citing Downing Street sources, Ross Hawkins said that some Conservative MPs were not happy with the move. One anonymous MP said “gay marriage is not a bad idea” but it should not be given priority over tax breaks for married couples.

Another Conservative MP predicted a “minor explosion” in the party over the issue, said Hawkins.