Mothers Union: Reform could undermine marriage

The Mothers' Union (MU) has said marriage will be undermined, if today’s proposals to give greater rights to unmarried couples are implemented.

The Law Commission is beginning a review into legal reform to bring cohabiting couples’ rights in line with those of married couples.

But an MU spokeswoman said that although any initiative to strengthen family life and protect children was welcome, stable marriages must be preserved.

The union works to support marriage through preparation and support, and she urged the government to create a "climate of support" for both individual couples and the institution itself.

Chief executive Reg Bailey said: “There is an overwhelming body of evidence from research that marriage provides the best basis for raising a stable family.

“That’s why it is so disappointing to see yet another government initiative that seems to undermine one of the best building blocks of strong communities.”