UK: Second reading of marriage equality bill taking place in House of Commons today

The British Parliament is currently debating Prime Minister David Cameron's marriage equality proposal today.

Here's the LIVE VIDEO.

It's the second of three readings in the House of Commons. It started about 7:30am EST and should last approximately six hours.

It then goes to the House of Lords.

Here's how the process works:

At second reading the House debates the whole principle of the bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading. The Member in charge or the Minister moves the motion ‘that the bill be now read a second time’. MPs then debate the bill. At the end of the debate the Speaker determines whether there are any objections to the motion being debated and asks for the Ayes and Noes.

Members voice their opinion, and if no objections are made, the bill passes second reading without a vote. If the Speaker believes Members have voiced disagreement a division is called and a vote taken. If the Bill passes second reading and the programme motion is agreed, the Bill will go to a Public Bill Committee for consideration. At a Public Bill Committee, each clause (part) and any amendments (proposals for change) to the Bill may be debated. MPs table amendments they wish to be considered.

UPDATE: The initial tally of votes on the reading is 400-175 in FAVOR of marriage equality! Forward!