The Mayor of London has recorded a video for a homosexual marriage campaign group saying he supports a redefinition of the institution.
In previous years Boris Johnson has warned of potential negative impacts of same-sex marriage and criticised the promotion of homosexuality in schools.
But in a video, filmed with Tower Bridge and the Olympic rings in the background, the Conservative mayor says he supports a redefinition.
Vote
In 2001, Mr Johnson wrote that “if gay marriage was OK – and I was uncertain on the issue – then I saw no reason in principle why a union should not be consecrated between three men, as well as two men, or indeed three men and a dog”.
And previously, in a magazine, he criticised Labour’s “appalling agenda, encouraging the teaching of homosexuality in schools, and all the rest of it”.
Earlier this week a poll showed that nearly 60 per cent of churchgoers are less likely to vote for the Tories because of the party’s bid to redefine marriage.
Shrunk
And it has also been revealed that membership of the Conservative Party has shrunk since David Cameron’s took over as leader – with same-sex marriage blamed as a major factor.
But in a video released on Monday Mr Johnson praises London as “one of the few places in the country where the rate of marriage is actually increasing”.
Adding: “And I see absolutely no reason why that happy state should be denied to anybody in our country.”