The Co-operative Group values of equality and equity have strongly influenced our support for equal marriage and our response as part of the consultation. The Co-operative believes that people should be treated as individuals, rather than being treated differently because of a particular personal characteristic, background, life experience or belief. We appreciate that many people will hold different views; including people who we value as customers, members and employees. However, we live in a diverse society and it is important that we recognise this as an integral part of the way we do business. Please consider contacting your MP to let them know how you feel about Equal Marriage. Contacting your MP is quick and very easy and to make things even simpler, the charities Stonewall and the Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) have created easy to use areas on their websites with the full process explained, links to identify and contact your MP and lots more information about Equal Marriage. Visit their websites to see how you can make a real difference: Stonewall: www.stonewall.org.uk/marriage Lesbian & Gay Foundation: www.lgf.org.uk/Take-Action/love-equal-marriage