Same-sex marriage dissent 'no hate crime'

Preacher defends opposing new laws

Same-sex marriage could be 'withheld' from Royal Assent - but that's no hate crime.

That's according to Methodist preacher and law lecturer Peter Murcott after he wrote to the UK Justice Department to express his concerns.

He claims the Act of Tynwald contravenes the Coronation Oath Act 1688, which says a monarch must uphold the laws of God.

In response to his letter, he says a request was submitted for 'ministers to consider recommending that it be withheld' from the Lord of Mann.

The laws will now have to be considered by the UK's Privy Council next week.

The Manx Rainbow Association believes the move was driven by bigotry, Mr Murcott insists it's his democratic right to oppose the Act