A Tory MP who denounced gay marriage has been branded “misguided” by a homosexual party colleague.

Hendon representative Matthew Offord expressed his belief that same sex marriage “would not serve to enhance British society or its values”.

The comments were made in an email response to a gay constituent published online yesterday.

Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer, who is in a civil partnership, has since tweeted: “Entitled to his opinion, however misguided. I have tweeted many times b4 that I support equal marriage.”

Mr Offord, a good friend of Mr Freer’s both inside and outside of politics, explains in the letter that he is fully supportive of civil partnerships but will not be voting in favour of legislation legalising gay marriage.

In the letter, he said: “My own position is that I will not be voting for legislation that extends marriage for same-sex couples. Having waited many years to get married I acknowledge the value the commitment brings.

“It is my strong personal, moral and religious belief that the institution of marriage is to provide the foundation of a stable relationship in which those two people of the opposite sex procreate and raise a child.

“That is physically not possible for same-sex couples so I don't see the point of introducing a law to allow this. I strongly believe in same-sex couples having the right to a civil registration, in order that they receive the same benefits as opposite-sex couples but not marriage.”

Speaking to the Times Series this afternoon, Mr Offord said: “This is an issue where people have a different view. I know Bernard (to whom the letter was addressed) very well and I like him but on this issue we disagree. There are a number of issues we do agree on.

“As the recent advertising slogan said: ‘Some people don’t agree with gay marriage – get over it’. I have had many letters on this issue, with just two in favour and many more against. People feel very strongly about it and so do I.

“I completely respect Mike (Freer’s) view. He is a friend and I thought his tweet was good. He doesn’t agree with me but we don’t agree on a number of issues.”