A Tory MP infamous for asking questions in the Commons on behalf of his wife has branded gay marriage as "completely nuts".
Wellingborough MP Peter Bone urged the Church of England to block the coalition plans for same-sex weddings in a religious setting.
Conservative Tony Baldry, representing the Church Commissioners, told the House of Commons on Thursday that the Church would make "detailed submissions" to a consultation on the proposals.
"So far as the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and many other faith groups are concerned, marriage is a union between one man and one woman," he said.
"That is the point we are putting forward responsibly and clearly in the consultation paper."
But speaking at Commons questions, Bone said: "Wouldn't it just be very simple to write back and say, 'Marriage is between a man and a woman so this is completely nuts'?"
Government plans to bring in gay marriage are expected to be announced in the Queens Speech on 9 May.
David Cameron has urged his MPs to back the plans. The prime minister said he supported gay marriage "because I am a Conservative" not in-spite of it as it encouraged commitment.
Ministers are likely to face opposition from Conservative backbenchers, including Congelton MP Fiona Bruce who told the Huffington Post UK she was against gay marriage "as a mother".
Bone's comments on marriage are particularly notable given the running joke in Westminster that he often asks questions in the Commons on behalf of his wife "Mrs Bone".