Peers rejected an amendment to prevent the legislation getting a second reading by 390 votes to 148. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill will now move to Committee stage.

The Coalition for Marriage, a UK-based broad alliance bringing of secular and faith-based groups and individuals who oppose attempts to redefine marriage, said there was still 'huge opposition to almost every part of the bill'. Colin Hart, C4M campaign director, added, 'We will continue to campaign to save traditional marriage and today's vote and the concerns expressed by many peers mean we will be able to introduce safeguards that will protect teachers, registrars, chaplains and anyone who works in the public sector.'

Elsewhere Quakers in Britain, which decided in 2009 to seek a change in the law to allow same-sex couples to marry within its worshipping communities, welcomed the result.

Juliet Prager, Deputy Recording Clerk of Quakers in Britain said, 'We welcome the Bill because it is right for us; it will enrich marriage, and it will not be imposed on other faith bodies who do not yet share our view.'