Lord Scriven said he and his husband David wanted to reaffirm their love of 23 years in the eyes of the church, but were denied by existing law, adding: “It made me feel, in my country, not equal.”
The Liberal Democrat peer added such a situation “devalues” the love of same-sex couples.
His remarks came as the Lords debated a proposal to allow ministers to make regulations to remove the 2013 exemption which prevents clergy members from solemnising the marriage of same-sex couples.
Lord Scriven said the amendment would not order the church to remove the exemption but, if the church changes its opinion, puts down in law the opportunity to “bring my marriage and others into the arms of the church”.
Following a debate during committee stage of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration Etc.) Bill, which aims to extend civil partnerships to opposite-sex couples, the amendment was withdrawn although it is expected to undergo further debate at a later stage.
Lord Scriven said: “I have experienced – and let’s be clear – the prejudice of not being able to be married in the Church of England.
“I married just over 16 months ago.
“Me and my husband, just like every other couple, went into this with a sense of enjoyment and excitement – wishing to reaffirm our love of 23 years in the eyes of not just society, but also – because of David’s view on religion – also…
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