A SECOND Conservative MP from the region has vowed to vote against a Bill to legalise gay marriage, insisting the institution should remain "the union of a man and a woman".

Anne McIntosh the Thirsk and Malton MP, hit out at David Cameron's determination to force through the measure when there was no mention of it in the 2010 Tory general election manifesto.

And she urged the Government to act instead on long-promised plans to reward heterosexual couples who get married with a higher tax allowance.

Ms McIntosh said: "My understanding of marriage is very clear - it is the union of a man and a woman, for their comfort, safety and sustenance, and for the upbringing of children.

"Civil partnerships ensure that there is no discrimination. In my view, marriage is special and should be respected and celebrated as such.

"While it is wrong to discriminate against homosexuals, I believe it is equally wrong to discriminate against those with strong religious beliefs, such as believing that marriage between a man and a woman is special."

Ms McIntosh's opposition comes hard-on-the-heels of that of James Wharton, the Stockton South MP, who described gay marriage as "a step too far".

Mr Wharton raised fears that any move to legalise gay marriage would, because of EU law, force churches to perform ceremonies - despite promises to the contrary.

More than 100 of the 303 Conservative MPs have written to constituents indicating their unease about gay marriage - threatening Mr Cameron with the biggest Tory rebellion in modern times.