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Anger over gay "weddings" on National Trust property

purist | 07.01.2004 03:21

We have received a number of emails and letters from angry National Trust members who are in the process of canceling their membership following that body's decision to allow bizarre same-sex marriage ceremonies to take place on their property.

Anger over gay "weddings" on National Trust property

We have received a number of emails and letters from angry National Trust members who are in the process of canceling their membership following that body's decision to allow bizarre same-sex marriage ceremonies to take place on their property.

The civil ceremonies which are not religious and organised by a private company called "Pink Weddings" have been given the go-ahead to take place at five of the Trust's more prestigious properties; the 18th Century Temple of Venus at Stowe in Buckinghamshire, the early 17th Century Blickling Hall in Norfolk, Bodiam Castle in Sussex, Osterley Park in west London, and Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire.

Other venues amongst the Trust's portfolio of over 300 stately homes, castles and historic houses may be open for such ceremonies on request.

The National Trust claims that it is an organisation for everyone. A spokesman for the National Trust said: "This scheme fits in very well with the fact we are an inclusive organisation. We are an organisation for everyone, and this fits in with our message."


At odds with family activities

This decision to embrace what the vast majority of Britons view as distasteful and bizarre behaviour has angered many of the Trust's members who by nature are traditional and keen to retain the special nature of Britain's historic buildings and gardens. Many of the properties are open all year round, are visited by schoolchildren and make excellent places to take the entire family. Same sex ceremonies are therefore thoroughly at odds with the concept of a family location and the BNP will be calling on its supporters to suggest that the Trust withdraw the use of its venues for this kind of activity.

The sanctioning of same sex "marriages" by a powerful body such as the Trust helps to undermine the real institution of marriage between a loving man and a women. The Trust's decision also suggests that those running the organisation rather than being traditional, patriotic and in tune with the wishes of its membership are keen to pander to the politically correct minority.

purist