Green party leader Natalie Bennett has revealed she is open to the idea of legalising three-way marriages.

Party members could get the chance to formulate policy to permit so-called polyamorous relationships, which would allow more than two people to enter into marriages or have civil partnerships.

Ms Bennett said the Greens had already led the way in calling for the liberalisation of marriage laws and is 'open' to going further.

Green Party leader Natalie Bennett, pictured campaigning in Hackney, east London, today signalled she was open to more rights for people in three-way marriages

Ms Bennett was taking part in a question and answer session with Pink News, a gay news website.

A reader named Dr Redfern Jon Barrett asked: 'At present those in a 'trio' (a three-way relationship) are denied marriage equality, and as a result face a considerable amount of legal discrimination.

'As someone living with his two boyfriends in a stable long-term relationship, I would like to know what your stance is on polyamory rights. Is there room for Green support on group civil partnerships or marriages?'

Ms Bennett, who has spent the day campaigning in Hackney, east London, said the party did not yet have a policy on the issue but she signalled she was open to the idea.

She replied: 'At present, we do not have a policy on civil partnerships involving more than two people.

'We are, uniquely in this country, a party whose policies are developed and voted for by our members.

'We have led the way on many issues related to the liberalisation of legal status in adult consenting relationships, and we are open to further conversation and consultation on this issue.'

Rev David Robertson, from the Free Church of Scotland, contended the idea.

He said: 'Natalie Bennett is of course just being consistent.

'Given her presuppositions and philosophy, why shouldn’t "marriage equality" extend to multiple people who "love each other"?

'We warned that the redefinition of marriage would not end with same-sex marriage and were ridiculed and abused as being ridiculous. It gives us no pleasure to know that we were right.'

Holly Tootill, a family lawyer with JMW Solicitors, said: ‘Divorce can be complex enough when there are two spouses. Adding another individual into such a structure would make it even more difficult to achieve resolution on matters relating to the well-being of children and finances.'

Ms Bennett said the party did not yet have a policy on the issue of polyamorous relationships but she signalled she was open to the idea

The Green party election manifesto warns that discrimination against LGBTIQ people remains in areas such as housing, education, employment and health

The Green party election manifesto states: 'Despite recent modest advances, discrimination against LGBTIQ people remains in areas such as housing, education, employment and health.

'The Green Party supports campaigns to advance LGBTIQ rights and aims to build a society where everyone is valued, respected and empowered, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.'

The party proposes 'mandatory HIV, sex and relationship education – age appropriate and LGBTIQ inclusive – in all schools from primary level onwards'.

It also calls for an end to inequality in pension inheritance for same-sex marriage partners and same-sex civil partners.