UK Judge for Traditional Marriage Investigated for Complaints
A senior judge in England's High Court that has publically supported traditional marriage was recently cautioned to tone down his support of marriage after an official complaint was logged against him.
Sir Paul Coleridge, High Court judge and chairman and founder of the Marriage Foundation, was investigated by the Office for Judicial Complaints after a complaint was filed concerning his work with the foundation and his judicial responsibilities.
The complaint was filed after Coleridge spoke at the launch of the Marriage Foundation, an entity concerned with supporting traditional marriage, according to the Christian Institute.
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During his address Coleridge stated the he was "not going to be a cozy club for the smug and self-satisfied of middle England," adding that he is heading a "national movement with the aim of changing attitudes across the board from the very top to the bottom of society."
The investigation was conducted by the Office for Judicial Complaints and found that his involvement with the foundation did not interfere with his responsibilities as a judge.
"He is now free to carry on his role as the head of the organization that champions the institution of marriage and the many benefits that it brings to society," according to a statement provided by the Marriage Foundation.
This development comes as the British government revealed plans to go ahead and introduce legislation that would redefine marriage and allow same-sex couples to wed .Afterwards, Prime Minister David Cameron announced plans to allow some religious institutions to perform civil ceremonies, while allowing those who wish not to the opportunity to back out.
The decision came after a government consultation of the issue of same-sex marriage in the United Kingdom was labeled as a "sham" after reports that government officials ignored citizens and several petitions supporting traditional marriage.
"The decision to ignore a petition of half a million people is disgraceful and undemocratic and goes against assurances from civil servants that all submissions would be treated equally and fairly," Colin Hart, Campaign Director of Coalition 4 Marriage, said in a statement.
"There were serious flaws with the consultation, not only was it loaded in favor of ripping up the centuries-old definition of marriage, but it lacked even the most basic of safeguards to check the identity of those taking part," he added.
