A British politician has revealed he received a death threat and hate mail after speaking out in support of 
traditional marriage.
David Burrowes (pictured), Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate, made the revelation at the launch of Coalition for Marriage (C4M) in London.
A number of politicians, lawyers and religious leaders have signed C4M’s petition, supporting the current definition of marriage and opposing any plans to redefine it.
Mr Burrowes was targeted after he spoke out in support of traditional marriage last month, the Christian Institute reports.
At the C4M press conference, the Tory MP said: “I myself have been subjected to hate mail, to accusations of homophobia, and to a death threat as well, which is just extraordinary when one is affirming what the law is as it stands and has done historically for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.”
Earlier this month the Archbishop of York received racist and threatening messages after he voiced his support for traditional marriage, sparking a police hate crime investigation.
It adds to concerns about how supporters of traditional marriage would be treated if marriage is redefined.
In light of the fact that schools are obliged to teach children about the importance of marriage, Mr Burrowes went on to raise a potential dilemma for teachers.
He said, “if we do redefine marriage it will impact on people’s freedoms – on that teacher who is wanting to affirm their religious conscience in teaching traditional marriage”.
He added: “If the law is changed then they will be challenged by that and so we need to recognise that it’s not just the case of churches against civil society, it’s an issue affecting us all and a matter of freedom.”
Mr Burrowes is also facing an online campaign against him because of his opposition to homosexual marriage. The campaign is being led by the treasurer of his local Conservative association, Phillip Dawson, who is homosexual.
Mr Dawson has since absolutely denied seeking Mr Burrowes’ deselection.
Meanwhile, a 14-year-old girl in America has also received death threats and abuse after taking a stand for the traditional definition of marriage.
Sarah appeared before the state of Maryland’s legislature last month where she urged lawmakers not to redefine marriage. She urged a committee to give her “the best birthday present ever,” by “vot[ing] no on gay marriage.”
But after the youngster’s testimony appeared online she was subjected to vulgar attacks, threats of violence and even death wishes.
One of the comments against her said, “I hate people like this. Most (not all) Americans are [expletive] retards. If I ever see this girl, I will kill her. That’s a promise.”
Other documented responses included: “I’m gonna kill ‘er!”
“Her parents should be exterminated.”
“Kill this child and his [sic] parent, for my 11 birthday would be a wonderful gift, thanks.”
“Parents like hers should be sterilized…”
Sarah testified before the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee at the end of January.
She said: “I really feel bad for the kids who have two parents of the same gender. Even though some kids think it’s fine, they have no idea what kind of wonderful experiences they miss out on.
“I don’t want more kids to get confused about what’s right and okay. I really don’t want to grow up in a world where marriage isn’t such a special thing anymore.”