On this day: 10 years on from same-sex marriage vote

The vote to allow gay couples to marry passed its third reading on July 17, 2013. Civil partnerships had been legal since 2005, which granted gay couples many of the same legal rights as their heterosexual counterparts. 

 However, this vote was crucial in granting same-sex couples’ relationships equal status in under English law, and allowing them to refer to their partners as husbands and wives. 

Professor Catherine Lee lives with her wife near Lavenham. Image: Joanne Thompson (Image: Joanne Thompson)

Catherine Lee MBE is the Interim pro-vice chancellor and Dean of the faculty of arts, humanities and social sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, and professor of inclusive education and leadership. 

She and her wife were amongst the couples chose to convert their civil partnership into a marriage. 

• READ MORE: Professor Lee on impact of homophobic law Section 28

“It felt amazing,” she said. “My partner and I had our civil partnership in Suffolk, and that felt like a small step forward but also a little bit scary; civil partnerships were only open to same-sex couples, so in declaring you had a civil partner, you would have to out yourself. 

“Going to our registering office in Sudbury to upgrade our civil partnership felt like such a special, important moment.  

“I think that's had such a positive effect on all aspects of society - everyone knows what a marriage is. It's a long-term commitment between two people who want to be together forever.  

“It made us the same as everybody else.” 

• READ MORE: Suffolk Professor Catherine Lee awarded MBE by Princess Anne

West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock was amongst those to vote in favour of same-sex marriage. Image: PA (Image: PA)

Four current MPs for Suffolk voted on this piece of historic legislation. Dr Therese Coffey for Suffolk Coastal and Peter Aldous for Waveny voted against it, while Dr Daniel Poulter for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich and Matt Hancock for West Suffolk voted for same-sex marriage. 

Mr Hancock said the vote was one of his “proudest moments in Parliament”. 

“Love knows no boundaries,” he said. “I know this vote has given so many happiness and fulfilment, helped reduce stigma and given belonging, and undoubtedly strengthened the institution of marriage itself by making it there for all. 

"We have made great progress, but there is still so much more we can and should do - including allowing gay marriage in church and promoting the values of tolerance around the world."