Braintree's MP has defended his decision to vote in favour of gay marriage, despite being bombarded with criticism from disapproving constituents.
Brooks Newmark was among the MPs to approve plans to allow same sex couples to marry in England and Wales as the Commons voted 400 to 175 in favour of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill.
Despite the outcome, voting divided the Conservative party with 136 Tory MPs, including Witham MP Priti Patel, opposing the bill.
Mr Newmark revealed a number of his constituents had also expressed their opposition.
He said he received about 70 letters and emails with the majority coming from those with strong religious beliefs, but he also claimed he received about half a dozen “rude, bigoted emails” from “homophobes”.
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