Conservative Party leader David Cameron has been told to “shut up about marriage” by some Conservative MPs who say he risks alienating single parents and cohabiting couples.

The Conservatives have pledged to recognise marriage in the tax systems and abolish the couple penalty in the benefits system if they win the General Election next year.

But some in the party are concerned that such a move would stigmatise unmarried couples.

Earlier this month Mr Cameron spoke about the benefits of marriage.

He said that “evidence shows marriage is a good institution which helps people stay together, and commit to each other. A society that values marriage is a good and strong society.”

However, his critics say he may be seen as moralising about people’s personal lives and called for alternative relationships to be recognised.

• Full story at the Christian Institute.

• Filed under Elections, Scottish Christian News Monitor, Social Policy.