Indeed, the opposite seems at least as likely: permitting gay marriage could reaffirm society's hope that people of all kinds settle down into stable unions.

ECONOMIST: Gay marriage

"At this point in time it is not the money we are concerned about, it is our stock, when I settle down into a warm bed at night I feel guilty because I know the conditions my stock are lying in, it's not all about money, " he said.

BBC: Isle of Man farmers to receive emergency support

He wants to reduce the churn in Newham and turn it into a place where people buy houses, settle down and raise children.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot