Claire Mathys of the Liberal Democrat Christian Forum gives her opinion on the complexity of the debate

The fourth big question is: Where does this leave religious freedom?

The government has bent over backwards to stress that religious institutions will not be forced to conduct same-sex marriages and the legislation includes 'opt-in' provision for churches as well as a 'quadruple lock' making it illegal in the Church of England.

Assuming that the legislation is written well enough for these intentions to be upheld in the British courts, there is a question mark over whether any legal challenges might be overturned at the European level, forcing churches to start conducting gay marriages. While this may be a valid concern, it has not happened so far in relation to other European countries which already have gay marriage.

Other questions of religious freedom come into play. What about Christian wedding photographers, flower-arrangers and organists, will they be acting illegally if they exclusively provide a service to heterosexual couples? What will teachers in schools have to say? In five years' time, will churches that do not opt in be put under new pressure to do so? Could there even be additional legislation to force them? Alternatively, will there be campaigns to redefine marriage even further? In some European states you can marry a dead person and one country is currently considering making three-way marriage legal.
Some argue that the legislation can be written in such a way as to sufficiently protect religious freedom, a freedom which is core to liberal democracy, (or at least should be). But these hanging questions are the cause of concern for some Christians.

These four big questions help us to see why there is such a myriad of views among Christians on this subject. Some think gay marriage is unbiblical, but it's a matter of equality for gay couples so should be supported. Some think gay marriage is entirely consistent with the Bible, but that it leaves open too many risks for religious freedom so should be opposed. Some think it's unbiblical, but that the church should not impose its views on society and of course, some think it's completely in line with the heart of Christianity and fully support it.

It's not surprising then, that many Christians simply say it's a complex debate and are not sure what to think about it. There are different aspects that need to be held in tension and it's easier to express vague concerns than to draw a decisive conclusion. That's why we should be respectful to those MPs who have had to make a public decision in Parliament, even when we disagree with their conclusion. Grappling with these issues is no easy task.

Do you agree with Claire's analysis? Are these the four most important questions in the debate? Is it a 'minor issue in Christianity?' Comment below.