Conservative MP Edward Leigh attacked plans to allow gay people to marry on Tuesday fearing the "merciless prism of equality", much to the confusion of those watching the Commons debate.
The debate on the government's same-sex marriage bill has exposed deep divisions within the Conservative Party on the issue, with some of the most pro-gay marriage and anti-gay marriage speeches coming from the same side of the House.
Leigh said that while people should be treated with tolerance, MPs had to be "very careful that law and reality do not conflict".
"We have to get away from the idea that every single thing in life can be forced through the merciless prism of equality," he said.
He added: "We should be concerned with equality, but not at the expense of every other consideration, not at the expense of tradition."
Leigh also said that marriage was "profoundly pro-woman" as it was "generally men who have the propensity to want to wander off into other relationships" leaving them "holding the baby".
To which another MP responded: "Speak for yourself."
Merciless Prism Of Equality
Conor Burns MP(01 of14)
Open Image Modal'the merciless prism of equality'. Jesus wept (credit:Twitter:Conor_BurnsMP)
(02 of14)
Open Image ModalMartin White(03 of14)
Open Image Modal"Merciless Prism of Equality" is confirmed as the title of the next Bond film. 007 races against time to stop a bigoted, villainous opponent (credit:Twitter:martinwwhite72)
Hotdogs of Instagram(04 of14)
Open Image ModalI would like @grifteezy to make me an avi featuring a merciless prism of equality. Thanks. (credit:Twitter:ohugs)
Naomi(05 of14)
Open Image Modal"We have to get away from the idea that everything can be forced through the merciless prism of equality" Wait...these people are in charge? (credit:Twitter:naomiprinted)
backontrack(06 of14)
Open Image ModalRT @unfortunatalie: "We have to get away from the idea that everything can be forced through the merciless prism of equality" -actual thing a Tory MP just said. (credit:Twitter:josesoap1)
pajh(07 of14)
Open Image ModalHold the merciless prism of equality up to your eyes and everything looks FABULOUS. (credit:Twitter:gominokouhai)
Kat Dadswell(08 of14)
Open Image ModalRT @Buster_Bear: Indiana Jones and the Merciless Prism of Equality #notcomingsoon (credit:Twitter:rantingkat)
Lili la Scala(09 of14)
Open Image ModalRT @FelixRatbastard: QUAIL, EARTHLINGS BEFORE THE MERCILESS PRISM OF EQUALITY. (credit:Twitter:lili_la_scala)
Dean(10 of14)
Open Image ModalIndiana Jones and the Merciless Prism of Equality #notcomingsoon (credit:Twitter:Buster_Bear)
John Dinnewell(11 of14)
Open Image ModalWhy are all the MPs hiding from this debate? Are they too scared of this "merciless prism of equality"? #equalmarriage (credit:Twitter:djdinners)
Mike Hillier(12 of14)
Open Image ModalRT @shakeandcrawl: "Forced through the merciless prism of equality" sounds like the best sexual euphemism ever (credit:Twitter:MikeHillier)
pumpkin ticks(13 of14)
Open Image ModalThe "merciless prism of equality" sounds like one of the levels of buerocracy in 'brazil' (credit:Twitter:charmada)
Seán(14 of14)
Open Image Modal'Merciless Prism of Equality' - it sounds like the name of a DJ set at a club night (the night would be called 'Binders full of women') (credit:Twitter:seanfaye)